SMEC has been appointed by Malaysia’s TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TPGSB) to carry out repair and mitigation works on Kenyir Dam.

The rockfill dam was affected by massive landslides triggered by heavy and continuous rainfall in Kuala Berang, Terengganu in February 2022. The torrential deluge of water, mud and boulders on the dam’s left abutment slopes washed off a section of the left abutment buttresses, prompting the need for immediate restoration and slope stabilisation works.

Kenyir Dam is a key component of the 400 MW Sultan Mahmud/Kenyir Hydroelectric Power Plant, which supplies electricity to consumers on the East Coast of Malaysia. SMEC was also the design and construction supervision consultant when the power plant was built in the 1980s.

“This project is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate SMEC’s expertise in dam safety and remedial works design,” said Punitha Rajan Doraisamy, SMEC’s regional manager Malaysia. “SMEC will leverage the proven track record of its technical specialists based in Malaysia to carry out the assignment to the satisfaction of the client and support Kenyir Dam’s readiness to better withstand similar challenges in the future.”

SMEC’s scope of works includes damage assessment, design and analysis for the reinstatement of rockfill, design of slope stabilisation measures, construction supervision, and contract and project management services. The company was also engaged to design and supervise the spillway concrete damaged by the falling rocks. The assignment is expected to be completed by August 2023.

SMEC has extensive experience in Malaysia’s hydropower and dam sector, with key involvement in developing some of the country’s most significant hydropower projects, including the Kenyir Hydroelectric Project, Pergau Hydroelectric Project, Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Project and Ulu Jelai Hydroelectric Scheme.