Assessing Effectiveness of Kuala Lumpur SMART Tunnel for Flood Prevention

The main purpose of the SMART Tunnel is to reduce flash floods in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Flash floods have caused economic loss and interrupted urban commercial activities. This study analyses the effectiveness of the SMART Tunnel in preventing flash floods in the city centre. The frequency and distribution of flash floods from 1984 to 2017 as well as spatial coverage of the SMART Tunnel are analysed using Geographic Information System (GIS). The results show that after the SMART Tunnel started operations in 2007, the incidence of flash floods reduced, but since 2010, water ponding has become prevalent. Only 7 cases of flash floods were recorded after the SMART Tunnel was operational but between 2010 and 2017, a total of 83 water ponding incidents were reported. The SMART Tunnel has played a significant role in preventing further flash floods in the city center of Kuala Lumpur. However, the problem of water ponding should be addressed holistically through planning based on ecological approaches such as in sponge city development.