CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Introduction

Floods and/or flashflood are among the most catastrophic natural hazards in the world
causing the largest amount of deaths and property damage (Burn, 2002). Flood can
influence many aspect of human life due to their destructive effects and create significant
expenses on mitigation effort. Heavy rains, land-use change in basin areas and various
engineering applications contribute to the magnitude and frequency of flood events.
Human activities such as unplanned rapid settlement development, uncontrolled
construction of buildings in general, and major land use changes can influence the spatial
and temporal pattern of hazards (Pradhan, 2010).
A tunnel is an underground passageway, completely enclosed except for openings
for entrance and exit, commonly at each end (Ali, 2015). A tunnel is used to carry people
across the obstacle and shorten the travelling period of time. As the technology evolve,
tunnel have become generally importance and become an alternative choice for transport
route for road or bridges where it is impossible to be built or costing to be higher since
there are obstruction to be accounted (Kannapiran , 2005).

1.2

Research Background

The city of Kuala Lumpur is plagued with two serious problems; flooding and traffic
congestion. The SMART project is an innovative solution to both of these problems.
SMART is an acronym for Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel. The SMART
tunnel plays a very vital role in flood management as well as the traffic congestion in the
city center of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. SMART is the only kind of tunnel in the world
because it is a dual purpose tunnel, it contains wet and dry sections. The project is
undertaken as a joint venture projects between the government and the private sector
corporation and SMART tunnel receives many accolades due to its unique feature and
distinct roles in managing flood disaster in the Klang Valley (Ali, 2015).
This tunnel is very unique because it is the first introduced tunnel in the world that
consists of both dry and wet system. During normal condition, this tunnel is use as an
alternative route to reduce the traffic congestion. When extreme weathering occur such as
monsoon rain and heavy downpour the tunnel act as a channel or pipeline to fill up and
direct the storm water out from the city to be store in the reservoir pond (Kannapiran, 2005)
The transformation of Kuala Lumpur into ultra-modern metropolis have creating a
new challenges to the government. As the development continues, the landscape of Kuala
Lumpur are gradually changing. Therefore, the urbanization of the catchment in and around
the city has cause upheave and hydrological regime.

Because of the intensity of

development, flood magnitudes keep on increasing over the years causing the capability of
Kuala Lumpur drainage system unable to cope with the storm water (Abdulah, 2004).

1.3

Problem Statement

Over the years, the workability of the SMART Tunnel have been tested and questioned.
Issue have been raised when the area under coverage by the SMART Tunnel was still
experiencing flashflood problem. The headline of Flashflood: Where is SMART Tunnel?
(K.Pragalath, March 2012), Kuala Lumpur SMART Tunnel are Not Looking Smart
Anymore (The Star/Asia Online News Network, Wed December 2011), Dont Blame the
SMART Tunnel (The Star Online, Wed 28 May 2014) and etc are appearing in the paper.

The issue regarding workability of the SMART Tunnel is further discussed whether
the SMART Tunnel is still capable or still relevant in solving the flashflood problem in
Kuala Lumpur area. Besides, the dual operation mode of the SMART Tunnel in both
solving the flashflood problem and traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur area was also
doubted. Some proclaimed that SMART Tunnel arent functioning welly as a flashflood
solving tunnel, it is more functioned as an alternative to the traffic congestion problem.

1.4

Research Question

Based on the problem and issue, there are several question regarding the flashflood
management in Kuala Lumpur.

1.

What is the roles of SMART Tunnel in solving flashflood problem?

2.

What is the flood management method can be used in mitigate flashflood

problem in Kuala Lumpur city?

1.5

Research Objective

The research objective of this study is

1. To study operation and management of SMART Tunnel.
2. To suggest the appropriate flashflood solution to alleviate flashflood problem in
Kuala Lumpur city.

1.6

Scope of Study

This study will focus in studying the operation and management of the SMART Tunnel
(Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel) and the techniques used in solving flashflood
problem.
i.

It involve studying operation modes, management and the maintenance of the

SMART Tunnel (Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel).

ii.

This study will conducted by using qualitative method. It involve

interviewing the related parties such as SMART Tunnel operator, Majlis

Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ), Malaysia Public Work Department

(JKR), and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

1.7

Significant of Study

The importance of this study is to determine the operation of the SMART Tunnel in solving
flashflood problem over the year it have been operated to see whether it is still capable to
fulfill the purposes of solving flashflood problem and traffic congestion problem in Kuala
Lumpur area. This research study is important to several parties such as the public, SMART
Tunnel operator, Industry, and academician. For example, this research will provide a clear
review or study on the operation and management of SMART Tunnel. For SMART Tunnel
operator, this study provide an information to enhance the operation and management of
the SMART Tunnel. For industry and developer, this study provide information for the
industry personnel in designing the tunnel, roadway, drainage and the technique can be used
in solving flashflood problem. For academician, this study provide information and data
which may useful for later further study of this research topic.

1.8

Research Methodology

In stage 1, it involve developing the problem statement of the topic to be studied by

determining the issues related to the topic. This can be done by referring to the journals,
thesis, articles, internet, and newspaper. There are mainly three issue being determined such
as there are contradiction over the effectiveness of the SMART tunnel, certain parties
proclaim that the SMART tunnel was effective while some parties complain that the
SMART Tunnel was not effective and flashflood were still occurring in Kuala Lumpur.
Besides that, flashflood problem were also happen frequently in Kuala Lumpur city. From
the problem statement, research question and research objective are developed to further
studying the issue. The first objective of this study is to study the operation and management
of SMART tunnel in solving flashflood problem. The second objectives suggest flashflood
management technique to solve Kuala Lumpur flashflood problem. the effectiveness of
SMART tunnel in solving flashflood problem.

In stage 2, it involve identify the scope of study, developing the literature review
and collecting data. Qualitative method by interview the respondent will be used in
collecting data. Meanwhile, literature review will be developed by referring to the
secondary data such as journals, thesis, articles, internet, and newspaper.
In stage 3, it is the final stage, it involve data analysis and conclusion. For the data
analysis will be done by referring back to the data collected and the data tabulated in the
literature review. Conclusion and recommendation are made by review back to the data
analyzed.

1.9

Outline of Thesis

Chapter 1 is the general view over the topic to be studied, Flashflood Problem in Kuala
Lumpur. Firstly, it involve identifying the problem and issue related to the topic to be
studied in developing the problem statement. In this chapter, introduction, research
background, research question, research objectives, scope of study, significance of study,
and research methodology is included.
Chapter 2 is the literature review on the topic to be studied. It consist of review,
study and research performed by relevant parties on the SMART tunnel and the flashflood
management technique. Generally, it include substantive findings of theoretical and
methodological contribution to the topic. It involve creating a pool of data and information
regarding the topic to be studied. It is important to enhance the understanding over the topic
which enable the data analysis to be done clearly.
Chapter 3 is the research methodology. This chapter will discuss the type of method
to be used in collecting the data and information related to the topic studied. There are
generally three type of research method can be used, that is qualitative method, quantitative
method and mix method. However, in this study, qualitative method by interviewing the
respondent will be used. It involve interviewing the related parties such as SMART tunnel
Operator, MPAJ, DID, and JKR
Chapter 4 is the data analysis. In this chapter, it involve analyzing, reviewing and
discussing the data collected from the interview. The recorded data from the interview

session with the respondent will be transcripted. All the analyzed data will be then tabulated
and sentenced in this chapter.
Chapter 5 is the conclusion and recommendation. It involve summarizing the
finding from the data analysis. In this chapter, it review back whether the objective set
earlier is achieved. Conclusion and suggestion are made correspond to the findings with
respect to the objectives. Last but not least, the suggestion will contribute to the future
further study by other personnel.

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

In this chapter, effectiveness of the SMART Tunnel in solving flashflood problem will
be studied and review. The method to improve the effectiveness of SMART Tunnel in
solving flashflood problem is discussed. Secondary data such as journals, articles, books,
magazine, conference paper, and internet was viewed and reviewed in this chapter.

2.1.1

Definition of Term

Definition of the key term of effectiveness, SMART Tunnel, and was presented.

2.1.2

Effectiveness

Effectiveness means the potential of producing an effect, and is most frequently applied
in connection with degree to which something is able of producing a specific, desired
effect (Nooshin Eslami, 2011). In management, effectiveness means getting the right
things done (Nooshin Eslami, 2011). Drucker (2006) explain that effectiveness is an
important discipline that can be learned and must be learned as effectiveness indicate to
what extend accomplished attempts provides the considerable results.
Erlendsson (2002) defines effectiveness as an extent to which objective are
achieved and the capabilities of producing an effect which frequently used in connection

with the degree to which something is capable of producing a specific desire effect. Fraser
(1994) defined Effectiveness as a measure of the match between the stated goals and
their achievement.
Effectiveness involve measure the quality of attainment in meeting the objectives
and it is also closely related to the productivity by which effectiveness involve measuring
the volume of output achieved for the input used (Bradley, 2002) According to Descy and
Westpthlan (1998), effectiveness involve measuring the ability of a task, program, or
project to produce a specific desired effect and result that can be qualitatively measured.
Wojtczak (2002) defines effectiveness as measure of the extent to which a specific
intervention, procedure, regimen, or service, when deployed in the field in routine
circumstances, does what it is intended to do for a specified population. According to
UNESCO definition of effectiveness, effectiveness is a measure of the quality,
achievement of a specific educational goal or degree to which a higher education
institution can achieve the specific requirement from the output of a specific review and
analyses.

2.1.3

SMART Tunnel

According to Ali (2015), a tunnel is an underground passageway that are completely

enclosed with opening at both end for entrance and exit which functioned to carry people
or vehicle across a destination that shorten the traveling period. According to AASHTO
Technical Committee for Tunnels (T-20), tunnel is defined as an enclosed roadways with
vehicle access that requires special design consideration such as lighting, fire protection
system, ventilation, and emergency exit based on the owners determination which
restricted to portals regardless the method of construction and type of structure used
Tunnels is a horizontal underground passage open at both the ends to the ground
surface that located below the cities, rivers, and through mountain by the removal of
overburden, making cut and then laying roof slabs for the construction of traffic or road
tunnel, hydro-power tunnels, and public utility tunnel (N. Aruna kumari, Subhajit Paul
2013).

2.1.4

Flood

Flood was also defined as the sinking of land or overflows that caused by the overflow of
huge amount of water. (FEMA 2007). According to McCluskey (2001), there are a few
types of floods which are flash flooding, urban flooding, mud flood, coastal flooding, slow
onset from sustained rainfalls, predictable, regular flooding and increased size of regular
flooding and monsoon flood (Alnap 2008). Urban flooding is a universal phenomenon,
which happen in a relatively short period of time due to faster flow time in a matter of
minute and inundate an area with a several feet of water. (Zamer Ahmed, D. Ram Mohan
Rao, Dr.K.Ram Mohan Reddy, Dr. Y. Ellam Raj 2013)
In Malaysia, there are only three types of flood disasters frequently occurred,
namely flash flood, mud flood, and monsoon flood. Flash floods refer to a situation in
which flooding happens suddenly due to prolonged heavy rain (National Weather Service
Forecast Portal, 2015). Basically, flashflood happens in a very fast and short period of
time due to the failure of drainage system in an urban area, such as Kuala Lumpur (Berita
Harian, 2014). Extensive rainfall which causing the rain water to lead directly into the
mud in the area where there is lack of trees roots to buffet or stabilize the soil particle will
eventually causing the mud flood to occur, such as those which occur in Cameron
Highlands (Sinar Official Portal, 2014). Lastly, monsoon floods can be defined as flooding
that occur due to the result of wind that brings a lot of rain (Aziz, 2015). Generally,
monsoon flood can be divided into northeast monsoon flood and southwest monsoon flood,
in which northeast monsoon flood occur during October to February period and bring
along heavy rainfall to certain area in Malaysia, especially Kelantan state, Terengganu
state, Pahang state, Sabah and Sarawak state, whereas the southwest monsoon occur
during May to August period and bring along heavy rainfall to west coast of peninsular,
such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor state, Melaka state, Johor state, Perak state, and Penang
state. (Portal Rasmi Pusat Pengurusan Bencana JKR, 2014)
According to Ainun Nishat (2004), flood is an inundation in which an area is goes
under and remains under water for sometimes which eventually causing damage to the
property, crops, disrupts communication, and brings along harmful effect to human beings
as well as flora and fauna (Aziz, 2015). A flood is defined as an inundation or excess of

water (or mud) on the land that is normally dry which caused by the high flow or overflow
of water from the watercourse, such as a river, stream, drainage ditch, ponding of water
or near the point where rain fell and strike anywhere without prior warning.
According to Malaysia Department of Irrigation and Drainage (2013), flood is
defined as a body of water, rising, swelling and overflowing on land not usually thus
covered and the overflowing of the bank of a stream, lake or drainage system of water
onto adjacent land as a result of storm, ice melt, tidal action and channel obstruction.

Flood is defined as body of water which rises to overflow land which is not usually
submerged, had taken place in many parts of the globe and its impact upon human
lives and activities had been severe especially in the recent decade (Smith& Ward,
1999). A flood involve high flow of water that dominates the natural and artificial bank
in any part of the system which causes the river overtopped and water extends over the
flood plain causing hazard to the society (Ching et al, 2013)

2.2

Operation and Management of SMART Tunnel

Operation and management of SMART Tunnel involve studying the operation mode of
the SMART Tunnel and maintenance of the SMART Tunnel.

2.2.1

Operation of SMART Tunnel

According to Santhiman and Looi (2006), the operation of the SMART Tunnel is mainly
based on the three principle mode of operation. This three modes of operation depends on
the flooding condition at the upstream river both the Klang River and Ampang River as
well as the operation status of the motorway tunnel. Refer to figure 2.1 for the operation
modes of the SMART Tunnel.

Figure 2.1: Operation modes of SMART Tunnel (Santhiman and Looi, 2006)

In modes one operation, the condition for which the SMART Tunnel operates
under this modes of operation is that there is no storm or with low rainfall. The SMART
Tunnel motorway functioned normally under normal condition as there are no flood water
being diverted or channeled into the SMART Tunnel. Therefore, the SMART Tunnel is
no shut down or close down for motorway passage and motorist where allowed to use the
roadway.
In mode two operation, the condition for which the SMART Tunnel operates under
this modes of operation is that there is minor storm or with moderate rainfall. The excess
storm water or flood water from the moderate rainfall was diverted and channeled into the
bypass at the lowest inert level of the SMART Tunnel. During the modes two operation,
both the motorway section, upper deck and lower deck was still opened for traffic passage.
Meanwhile, the lowest inert level beneath the lower deck is filled with storm water or
flood water.
In mode three operation, the condition for which the SMART Tunnel operates
under this modes of operation is that there is heavy storm or with heavy rainfall. Under
this extreme condition, the SMART Tunnel system will be activated. When SMART
Tunnel system is being activated, SMART Tunnel will be completely closed down for

motorist passage both the upper deck and lower deck of the SMART Tunnel. Once the
FDS system being activate the SMART Tunnel mode three operation, sufficient time is
allocated to evacuate all the passenger vehicle before the automated water gate are
activated to occupy flood water. When all the passenger vehicle is evacuated from the
SMART Tunnel, full bore of the tunnel will close down for further motorist passage and
used to fill up and diverting the storm water or flood water from the city.

2.2.2

Maintenance of SMART Tunnel

According to Murad (2010), the maintenance works are basically the planned maintenance
and unplanned maintenance. For planned maintenance, it involve maintenance work that
is performed daily, alternate days, weekly, monthly, quarterly, half years and yearly.
Scope of services facilities to is be cleaned are buildings, toll plaza, ingress and egress
and tunnel. The cleaning of the facilities is the responsibility of Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and
DSM Sdn Bhd. Frequency of cleaning can be referred to the Appendix A. Usually, the
routine of cleaning and maintenance works will be done at the same period of month. This
routine work will start at 11am and ended at 6.00pm the next day. The cleaning covers the
tunnel lightings, tunnel wall, cross passage drain, drain sumps, and pump station.
On the other hand, the maintenance which takes over on the curative maintenance
or non-routine maintenance is performed after flooding events. The maintenance works is
focused mainly on cleaning the tunnel. The cleaning process includes tunnel wall, road
deck, tunnel lighting, traffic sign, cross passage cross drain sumps, signboards, pumping
station and the tunneling ceilings surface. At this times, SMART Tunnel will be closed
at least two days for the cleaning and repairing process which was caused by the pressure
of water and there will be a need for one more days for inspection before the motorway is
open for public.

2.2.2.1 Type of Maintenance

There are generally several types of maintenance work such as unplanned maintenance,
painting and repairing signboard.

2.2.2.1.1Unplanned Maintenance

According to Murad (2010), unplanned maintenance is conducted after the flood event in
which SMART Tunnel is used to channel and diverting the storm water or flood water
away from the city. The tunnel will closed to the public usage after diverting or channeling
the storm water or flood away from the city while the contractor perform its cleaning and
maintenance operation. Unplanned maintenance were conducted because defects usually
occur after the event are usually caused by water pressure. Figure 2.2 shows the defect in
the SMART Tunnel caused by pressure of the water.

Figure 2.2 Defects that occur after the event caused by pressure of water (Murad, 2010)

According to Murad (2010), there will be an organized and planned cleaning flowchart
created by the cleaning contractor. There are division of SMART Tunnel into four division
for the cleaning work, such as north upper deck, north lower deck, south upper deck, and
south lower deck. For north upper deck of SMART tunnel, it will be cleaned by team A.
Meanwhile, for north lower deck, south upper deck, and south lower deck will be cleaned
by team B, team C, and team D respectively. Figure 2.3 shows the cleaning flowchart of
the performed by the cleaning contractor to the SMART Tunnel.
According to Murad (2010), there are generally six cleaning scope which the
cleaning contractor will have to be performed. Firstly, the cleaning contractor will have
to clean the road deck and the ceiling of the SMART Tunnel. Secondly, the cleaning
contractor will have to clean the tunnel lighting and the traffic sign for example the road
sign and signboard which might covered by the mud brought along by the storm water or
flood that being diverting or channeled into the SMART Tunnel during mode three

operation of the SMART Tunnel is being activated. Thirdly, the cleaning contractor will
clean the wall and door in the tunnel. Fourthly, the cleaning contractor will clean for the
cross passage of the SMART Tunnel. Fifthly, the cleaning contractor will clean the
junction box. Last but not least, deodorants and sterilization will be performed by the
cleaning contractor to the whole SMART Tunnel.

Figure 2.3: Cleaning Flowchart (Murad, 2010)

2.2.2.2 Painting

According to Murad (2010), painting of the SMART Tunnel will be conducted to the wall
of the SMART Tunnel which are usually damaged by accident or dust. Normally, the
painting work will be contracted out to the third parties, such as Landak International Sdn
Bhd. The tunnel surface paint is painted using pain from the PLC Laboratory. The purpose
of tunnel surface painting was for protective function and for architectural coating. Figure
2.4 shows the painting work performed by the painting contractor.

Figure 2.4 Painting work to the SMART Tunnel wall (Murad, 2010)

2.2.2.3 Repair Signboard

According to Murad (2010), signboard repairing work is another maintenance work that
must be carry out from time to time. This is because, for long time being, wear and tear
of the signboard in the SMART Tunnel will occur. Besides that, the signboard in the
SMART Tunnel might also damage or broken due to the pressure of water when the modes
three operation of the SMART Tunnel is activated and the storm water or flood is
channeled of filled the SMART Tunnel. Figure 2.5 shows the repairing and replacement
work of the signboard in the SMART Tunnel was carry out.

Figure 2.5: Repairing and replacement work of the signboard (Murad, 2010)

2.3

Case Study Storm Water Tunnel in Various Country

Different country are adopting different storm water tunnel in flood management. In this
subtopic, storm water tunnel in Hong Kong and _ is reviewed.

2.3.1

Storm Water Tunnel in Hong Kong

According to Drainage Services Department of Hong Kong (2013), storm water tunnel in
Hong Kong involves building of a drainage tunnel in the western part of Hong Kong
Island to intercept storm water from the upper catchment at the Mid-Levels and discharge
it to the sea directly, thus reducing rainwater flowing to the low-lying areas downstream.
With the tunnel commissioning, the overall flooding problem on Northern Hong Kong
Island can be alleviated.
According to Arup (2015), the storm water tunnel in Hong Kong length was
approximately 10.5km long with the diameter of 6.25km to 7.25km. The storm water
drainage tunnel has 34 intakes and 32 drop shafts. The tunnel will intercept surface storm
water runoff from an upper catchment area at the mid-level area of Hong Kong Island
and discharge up to 240m3/s at the final outlet portal to the west. Storm water will pass
through a drainage system of horizontal shafts, 32 drop shafts up to 195m deep, an eastern
inlet portal structure and over 30 other intake structures. Figure 2.6 and 2.7 shows the
storm water tunnel Hong Kong intake point and storage tank respectively.

Figure 2.6: Storm water tunnel Hong Kong intake point (Arup, 2015)

Figure 2.7: Storm water Tunnel Hong Kong storage tank (Arup, 2015)

2.3.2

Storm Water Tunnel in Canada

According to Department of Planning & Development Calgary (2010), the storm water
tunnel project in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is named Shepard storm water diversion
channel. It includes 3.1 kilometers of diversion channel; a 3 meter diameter tunnel under
the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) mainline; 270 meters of deep buried, 3 meter
diameter precast concrete pipe; a drop inlet structure for flow conveyance from the
channel into the tunnel; and a large energy dissipation structure at the end of the closed
conduit. The facilities were designed for a flow rate of 41 m3/s, with the closed conduit
portion designed for a peak velocity of 7 m/s. A large underdrain conduit under the
Western Head works Canal is designed for 16 m3/s. Figure 2.7 shows the storm water
tunnel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Figure 2.7: Shepard storm water diversion channel (Department of Planning &

Development Calgary, 2010)

2.3.3

Storm Water Tunnel in Chicago

According to Wetli (2015), The 18-foot diameter tunnel will have an intake shaft at a bend
in the river in Eugene Field Park just east of Pulaski Road. It will activated and operates
before the water level reaches flood stage and will divert a flow of 2,300 cubic feet of
water per second, bypassing Albany Park and emptying at an outlet shaft at River Park
just south of Foster Avenue into the North Shore Channel. The tunnel will not have an
adverse impact upstream or downstream or on wildlife.
The storm water tunnel diversion structure will capture more than half of the
rivers design flood flow and direct it into the tunnel via an inlet drop shaft. The flow will
discharge downstream of the restrictive, flood prone reach of the river through an energy
dissipation structure, and adjacent Chicago neighborhoods will be spared from the impacts
of frequent overbank flooding. Figure 2.8 shows the storm water tunnel inlet channel.

Figure 2.8: Albany Park, Chicago storm water tunnel inlet channel.

2.4

Flood in Kuala Lumpur City

2.5

Flood Scenario in Foreign Country

Flood scenario event in the Hong Kong, Canada and Chicago is studied and reviewed.
Among the things to be reviewed is the factor and impact of flood event.

2.5.1

Flood Scenario in Hong Kong

According to the Drainage Service Department of Hong Kong (2013), flooding occur
rapidly and frequently in various area of Northern Hong Kong city during the rainy season.
There are four main cause of the flooding event, such as geographical location, high
rainfall, urban development and low-lying topography and the effect of tides.
For the geographical location factor, Hong Kong is located in the sub-tropical
region which have the oceanic climate that put the area vulnerable to heavy downpour and
tropical cyclones in summer. For high rainfall factor, flood event is frequently occurred
due to the reason Hong Kong has an annual average rainfall of 2,200milimeters, which
one of the highest rainfall cities in the Pacific Rim.
For urban development factor, Hong Kong have intensive development associated
with urban development has taken place in Northern Hong Kong Island. The district is
one of the most densely-built areas in Hong Kong. Continuous development and
expansion of the community at the upper catchment have increased the quantity of surface
runoff considerably, thus reducing the flood carrying capacity of the drainage system in
urban area, aggravating the flooding problem during rainstorms. For aged drainage system
factor, the existing drainage that built decades ago are no longer sufficient to satisfy and
meet the current flood preventions standard. The discharge capacity of the aged drainage
system has also been reduced.
According to the Drainage Service Department of Hong Kong (2013), there are
generally three impact from the flood event, such as affect the economies activities,
disturbance to the public, and traffic congestion.
For the impact of affecting the economy activities, flood event that occur in the
business area of Northern Hong Kong area such as Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan

Chai and Causeway Bay will definitely disrupt the economic activities, business operation
and direct or indirectly lead to huge economic losses.
For the impact of disturbance to the public, flood event will cause inconvenient to
the public daily activities such as inconvenience to pedestrians on their way to work or
study. For the impact of traffic congestion, flood event will cause the water retention or
overflow to the road. This will direct and indirectly cause disruption and congestion to the
traffic. Figure 2.9 show the flooding event in Northern Hong Kong.

Figure 2.9: Flooding event in Northern Hong Kong (Drainage Service Department of
Hong Kong, 2008)

2.5.2

Flood Scenario in Chicago

According to Wetli (2015), flooding in the Calgary area occurs when excessive rains cause
the flow in the Chicago River to overtop its banks. During the past 10 years, residents of
the Albany Park neighborhood have had to deal with the aftermath of severe flooding on
multiple occasions. The storm water diversion tunnel concept developed and designed
intended to effectively reduce the risk of this hardship for events up to a 100-year design
flood.
According to Spielman (2015), the impact of flood event in Albany Park, Chicago
were causing inconvenience to the public in which resident are evacuate from their home
and school are closing. Besides, flood event in Calgary were also causing property losses

in which the resident house and vehicle are damaged by the flood. Figure 3.0 shows the
flood event in Calgary, Canada.

Figure 3.0: Flood event in Calgary, Canada (Kaufmann, 2015)

2.6

Flood Management Technique Used in Malaysia

Several flood management technique have been adopted in Malaysia to alleviate the
flood problem. Among the flood management technique can be categorized in structural
measure and non-structural measure.

2.6.1

Structural Measure

2.6.1.1 Flood Control Dam

According to Hamzah (2005), flood dam are constructed to mitigate the flood event
occurrence. Among the flood mitigation dam and irrigation dam were constructed was
the Batu Dam, Semberong Dam, Pedu Dam, and Beris Dam respectively. The Klang
gate dam is an example of a dam built for water supply but also serves as a flood
mitigation dam.
According to Chia (2010), dams are constructed to protect the areas downstream
of the dams by retaining the flood water. Construction of dams solely for flood
management is uneconomically, therefore dams are usually utilized for other purposes

such as water supply. In addition, dams are constructed for hydroelectricity purpose will
also have their capacity allocated for flood detention.

2.6.1.2 River Improvement Work

According to Hamzah (2005), river improvement work which carried out are the
realignment and canalization of the river channels. It involve deepening and widening of
the river channel as well as lining the river banks and beds of the channel to improve the
original undersized river channels. This will helps to increase the holding and retention
capacity of the flood water.
According to Chia (2010), river canalizations are necessary as the original river
channels have become undersized as a result of the increase in flood flows caused by
development. As a result, in flood times, watercourse can move efficiently and facilitate
more water prevent flood water overflow and damage to the river banks. Furthermore,
channelization also can provide erosion control and the rehabilitation of watercourse.

2.6.1.3 Storage Pond and Flood Attenuation

According to Hamzah (2005), disused mining pools can be used as detention or retention
ponds to regulate floodwaters so that the flood peaks are attenuated. Water in the pond
will be released slowly back to the river after the flood flow has subsided. The
Batu/Jinjang Pond Project in Kuala Lumpur diverts excess floodwater from Sg. Gombak
into Batu Pond for temporary storage and from Sg. Keroh to Jinjang Pond. Figure 3.1
shows the flood detention pond in Kuala Lumpur city.

Figure 3.1 Flood detention pond in Kuala Lumpur city (Chia, 2010)

2.6.1.4 Flood Diversion Channel or Tunnel

According to Hamzah (2005), certain river stretches especially in major city centers, due
to intensive development along both riverbanks, can no longer be widened or deepened to
accommodate the increasing flood discharges through the city. Under such circumstances,
excess floodwater has to be retained upstream in storage ponds or diverted downstream
through a flood diversion channel or tunnel. The Storm water Management and Road
Tunnel (SMART) Project implemented in Kuala Lumpur when completed will alleviate
flooding in the city center by diverting away large volumes of floodwater from entering
the city.

2.6.1.5 Poldering (Ring Bund)

According to Chia (2010), poldering is the provision of a ring bund surrounding the area
to be protected. This is normally carried out for an area which has high damage potential
but for which the cost on overall basin-wide protection would be prohibitive. It includes
the provision of internal drainage for the area to be protected and the evacuation of flood
water by pumping during periods of high river flows.
The present strategy of using structural flood control measures such as the above
has proven effective in controlling floods and is usually the only option available for builtup areas. However, structural measures usually incorporate hard engineering measures
that result in bigger channels conveying high flows at high velocities. These measures
incur high costs as well as require substantial land reserves for the channel.

2.6.2

Non-Structural Measure

2.6.2.1 Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)

According to Hamzah (2005), Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) involve

planning for the whole river basin in an integrated manner in which all factor are
accounted and taken into consideration when any development plan is proposed. Among

the factor that were taken into consideration when preparing the flood management plan
under Integrated River Basin Management (IBRM) are zoning for river corridors, riparian
areas, natural flood plain, conservation of wetlands, storage ponds and many more.

2.6.2.2 Flood Forecasting and Warning System

According to Hamzah (2005), flood forecasting and warning system have been installed
at strategic location along certain urban river in which the river basin is prone to flashflood.
When the flood level in the selected river reaches a critical point, the flood forecasting
and warning system will be triggered and alarmed to alert the resident of impending floods.
According to Chia (2010), telemetric forecasting systems have been installed in
the major river basins namely Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Sadong, Kinabatangan, Klang,
Terengganu, Besut, Dungun, and Johor whilst VHF flood forecasting systems have been
established in smaller basins.

2.6.2.2 Preparation of Guidelines and Design Standard

According to Chia (2010), Suitable guidelines and design standards have been prepared,
specifying clear requirements, both physical as well as technical, for rivers and their
reserves, as well as flood mitigation and urban drainage projects. These guidelines and
design standards, if followed strictly by the public and private sectors, will help minimize
the occurrence of floods. The Department of Drainage and Irrigation has published more
than 20Hydrological Procedures as well as the Urban Drainage Planning and Design
Procedure No. 1 for use as reference materials and guidelines by all planners, consultants
and other Government agencies throughout the country.

2.6.2.3 Resettlement of Population

According to Chia (2010), resettlement of population involve reallocation of the resident

settlement place. This is because some of the resident or villager are staying in the high
flood prone area. It is a positive approaches to reduce the potential damage cause by the

flood as well as loss of life in flood prone area by resettling the population. For example,
2715 families have been resettled in the state of Kelantan and Pahang respectively.

2.6.2.4 Flood Proofing

According to Chia (2010), flood proofing involve implementation of protective works to

prevent the entry of flood water into specific individual houses and specific places by
bundling a building with a wall so that the floor is not submerged during a flood. Directly,
this will help to reduce the flood damage. For example, flood proofing measures are
incorporated to the entrance to basement car park in the flood-prone cities like Kuala
Lumpur and Penang.

2.7

Flood Management Technique in Foreign Country

Flood management technique in foreign country such as Hong Kong is studied and
reviewed.
2.7.1

Flood Management in Hong Kong

According to Keith et.al. (2002), there are several storm water management practice being
adopted by the Hong Kong government in flood management. Refer to table 2.1 for the
storm water practice and technologies being adopted by the Hong Kong government in
solving flood problem.

Table 2.1 Storm water practice and technologies (Keith et.al, 2002)

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1

Introduction

According to Philominathan et al. (2013), research methodology is a systemic way to solve

a problem. It is defined as the study of method by which knowledge is gain and how research
is to be conducted. It involves the procedure of describing, explaining, and predicting the
phenomena of the work.
Research methodology involves a specific procedure of identifying, selecting and
analyzing the information related to the research problem, thereby allowing the reader to
critically evaluate the study validity and reliability Richard, H. (2004). This chapter will
mainly explain the methods and ways to be used in collecting the data related to the research
problem in order to create pool of data which will be used in data analysis to reach a
conclusion and achieving the research objective stated earlier.

3.2

Research Design

According to Parahoo (1997), research design is a plan outlining the process how, when
and where the research data are to be collected and analyzed. Polit (2001), define research
design as the researcher overall process in answering the research question and achieving
the research objective. Burns and Grove (2003), define research design as a blueprint
conducting a study with maximum control over the factors that may interfere with the
validity of the findings.

The research design is an overall framework and plan for study in collecting data,
outlining the detailed steps in the study and provide guidelines in data gathering (Strauss &
Corbin, 1990). Research design is also defined as the creation of means of collecting reliable,
objective, generalized and valid data by the means of which formal announcements about
the phenomena may be confirmed or rejected (Boot et al., 1993).
This study will focuses on the effectiveness of SMART Tunnel in solving flashflood
problem. According to Creswell (2009), there are there are mainly three method can be used
in research design, namely qualitative method, quantitative method and mix method. This
research approach is using the qualitative method.

3.2.1

Qualitative Method

Qualitative research is a means for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or
groups ascribe to a social or human problem. The process of research involves emerging
questions and procedures. Data typically collected in the participant's setting. Data analysis
inductively building from particulars to general themes. And the researcher making
interpretations of the meaning of the data. The final written report has a flexible structure.
Those who engage in this form of inquiry support a way of looking at research that honors
an inductive style, a focus on individual meaning. And the importance of rendering the
complexity of a situation (Creswell, 2007).
Qualitative method used in this research involve interviewing the corresponding
respondent related to the research topic, observations, and analyzing the document to collect
or interpret the data. There are mainly two major type of data are been used in the qualitative
research, namely primary data and secondary data. Among the corresponding respondent
whom were selected to interview was the SMART Tunnel operator, Department of
Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Malaysia Public Works Department (JKR), and Majlis
Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) regarding the research topic of flashflood management
in Kuala Lumpur city

3.2.2

Primary Data

According to Kothari (1985), primary data is original information collected for the first time.
Primary data is collected by using the quantitative method of semi interviewing the
respondent. Interview was conducted to the government agency of SMART Tunnel operator,
Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Malaysia Public Works Department (JKR),
and Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) regarding the research topic of the flashflood
management in Kuala Lumpur city.

3.2.3

Secondary Data

Secondary analysis involves the use of existing data, collected for the purposes of a prior
study, in order to pursue a research interest which is distinct from that of the original work;
this may be a new research question or an alternative perspective on the original question
(Hinds, P.S. et al., 1997). According to Ghauri and Gronhaug (2010), secondary data
consists of journals, article, thesis, book, magazine and other reference source which will
later be reviewed in literature review.

3.3

Research Process

According to Leedy & Ormrod (2001), research process consist of a series of distinct step
which were identified as the scientific method of inquiry. The scientific steps
mentioned consist of general six steps start from identifying the research problem, identify
the research objectives, reviewing the literature, collecting data, analyze and interpreting
the data and lastly followed by reporting and evaluating the research.
Figure 3.2.2 shows the flow of the research process. The first step in the research
process involve identifying the research problem. Regarding the research topic of flashflood
management in Kuala Lumpur City. SMART Tunnel seems to be not effective in solving
flashflood problem. Meanwhile, flashflood problem were still occurring in Kuala Lumpur

Second step in research process involve identifying the research objective.

According to Creswell (2012), identifying the research objective involve identifying the
major intent and focus for the study. There mainly two objective of this research. The first
objective is to study the operation and management of SMART Tunnel. The second
objective is to suggest appropriate flashflood solution to mitigate the flashflood problem in
Kuala Lumpur city.
Third step in the research process involve reviewing the literature. Reviewing
literature means locating summaries, books, journals, and indexed publications on a topic;
selectively choosing which literature to include in your review; and then summarizing the
literature in a written report (Creswell, 2012). For this study, review on the flashflood
scenario, SMART Tunnel overview, and flashflood solution is reviewed and studied.
Fourth step in research process involve collecting data. According to Creswell
(2012), collecting data involve identifying and selecting individual for a study in order to
collect and gather appropriate information which contribute to the study. In this research,
data collection will be conducted by interviewing the SMART Tunnel operator, Department
of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Malaysia Public Works Department (JKR), and Majlis
Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ). This step will be conducted in chapter 4 under the topic
of data collection and analyze.
Fifth step in research process involve analyzing and interpreting the data. According
to Creswell (2012), analyzing and interpreting the data involves drawing conclusion to the
data collected. This step will be conducted in chapter 4 under the topic of data collection
and analyze.
Sixth step in research process involve reporting and evaluating the research. It
involve drawing conclusion over the analyzed data for the research topic and determine
whether the research objective made earlier is achieved or not. Refer to figure 3.1 for the
research process.

Identifying the Research

Problem

Identifying the Research

Objective

Reviewing the Literature

Collecting Data

Issue 1: Some proclaim SMART

Tunnel is effective while some
complain SMART Tunnel is not
effective.
Issue2: Flashflood still occur in
Kuala Lumpur
Objective 1: To study operation
and management of SMART
Tunnel
Objective 2: To suggest the
flashflood solution to solve the
flashflood issue in Kuala Lumpur
Review on the flashflood scenario,
SMART Tunnel operation and
management and flashflood
solution.
Quantitative Method
Interview: SMART Tunnel
Operator, Department of Irrigation
and Drainage

Analyze and Interpreting

Content Analysis

Reporting and Evaluating

Drawing conclusion and evaluate

the research objective is achieved
or not

Figure 3.1: Research Process

3.4

Research Instrument

Research instrument is the tools for data collection. It include questionnaires, interview,
observation and reading. In this research, interview method will be used. It involve face-toface meeting and conducting oral questioning with the interviewee to obtain the oral
response from the interviewee.

3.4.1

Interview

Interview method is conducted towards the respondent whom are chosen for the research.
It involve interviewing the SMART Tunnel operator and the Department of Irrigation and
Drainage (DID) regarding the research topic of flashflood management in Kuala Lumpur
According to Merriam (1998), interview consists of three different type, namely
structured interview, unstructured interview, and semi structured interview. The structured
interviews are formal, sets of question which were the interview questionnaires are posed
to the interviewee visited and responses are recorded on a standardized procedure.
Unstructured interview is the less formal interview, in which the interviewer may modify
the sequence of questions, change them during the interaction.
Therefore, in this research a semi structured interview will be used. Semi structure
interview is used as it is more suitable for the research. Semi structured interview are
conducted with a fairly open framework, which allow for focused, conversational, two-way
communication with the SMART Tunnel operator, Department of Irrigation and Drainage
(DID), Malaysia Public Work Department (JKR), and Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya
(MPAJ) respondent. A semi-structured interview has been chosen as they use general
questions but allow space to move onto further questions depending on the interviews
progression (Bryman, 2008). Semi-structured interviews allow not only for assessing the
participants' opinions, statements and convictions, they also allow to elicit narratives about
their personal experiences (Nohl, 2009).

3.5

Sampling Method

Sampling method involves the selection of a number of study units from a defined study
population. The population is too large for us to consider collecting information from all its
members. Instead we select a sample of individuals hoping that the sample is representative
of the population.

3.5.1

Research Population

According to Parahoo (1997), population is the total number of unit for which data can be
collected. Burns & Grove (2003), define the research population as all the element that meet
the criteria for inclusion in a study.
In this research, the population of the study mainly consists of the government
agency. It include the SMART Tunnel operator whom responsible for the operation and the
management of the SMART Tunnel, Department of Irrigation and Drainage whom
responsible for the water resources management especially in flood event, river and coastal
zone management to enhance quality of life by ensuring water security and environment
sustainability, the Malaysia Public Works Department (JKR), and Majlis Perbandaran
Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) whom responsible in specifying, standardizing and evaluating all the
civil work especially in this case the drainage specification and standard.

3.5.2

Research Sampling

According to Polit et al. (2001), sample is a proportion of a population. The sample of the
research are officer from the government agency, which include the SMART Tunnel
operator officer, Irrigation and Drainage Department officer, the Malaysia Public Work
Department Officer, and Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) officer.

3.6

Data Analysis Process

Berelson (1999), defines content analysis as a research technique for the objective,

systematic and qualitative description of the manifest content of communication. In this

research, qualitative method are used for data collection. Thus, qualitative data analysis
method will be to analysis the data collected. According to Miles & Huberman (1994),
qualitative data analysis is a comprehensive sourcebook, describing analysis that is directed
at tracing out lawful and stable relationships among social phenomena, based on the
regularities and sequences that link.
Figure 1.0 shows the interactive model of the component of data analysis. Data
collection involve gathering information from a variety source. In this research, two type of
data are collected, both primary data and secondary data. Primary data collected from the
interview performed to the respondent selected for this research whereas secondary data are
collected from the journals, document, article, books, and magazine which recorded and
reviewed in chapter 2 as literature review.
Data Reduction is occurs continually throughout the analysis. In early stage, it
involve editing, segmenting and summarizing the primary data and the secondary data
collected. In the middle stage, data reduction happens through coding, memoing, and
associated activities such as findings themes, clusters, and patterns. After data reduction, it
will followed by data display. It involve displaying, compress and assemble the essential
and related information or data filtered in data reduction.
Lastly, it involve drawing and verifying conclusion. Conclusion are made and
finalized according to the data analyzed in the data reduction stage. Conclusion made are
then evaluated to determine whether the research objective are achieved or not.

Figure 3.2 Data Analysis Process

3.7

Conclusion

In conclusion, research methodology involve collection of data and the determination of the
sample for the research. Appropriate method and sample is selected to perform the research.
Throughout the research process, data is collected and analyzed carefully. Research
methodology is important as it outlining the appropriate method, ways and tools should be
used in conducting the research, especially in data collection and data analysis part.
Through determining the research methodology, the flow of the research work will
be more organized, precise, and comprehensive. In this research, quantitative method by
semi structure interview will be used to collect the primary data whereas secondary data is
reviewed from the outside source of books, journals, articles, document and magazine in
chapter 2 literature review. By referring to the research design, the collected data will be
analyzed by using quantitative analysis method and conclusion will be drawn.
Last but not least, the research objective will be evaluated and verified where it is achieved
or not.

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