UMP and Asahitechno Co. Ltd to develop Super Well Point technology to mitigate flood

By: MOHD IRWAN MUSA and AHMAD AMIRUL FAIZ AHMAD TAJUDIN of ERAS

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) had formed a collaboration with Asahitechno Co. Ltd. of Japan to develop Super Well Point technology that would be applied in ground improvement method and ground water level reduction to mitigate flood in the state.

UMP and Asahitechno Co. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave the way for research work on the matter to be carried out.

UMP was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Ts. Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim while Asahitechno by its President Shigeyoshi Takahashi.

It was held at Tun Abdul Razak Chancellery Banquet Hall in Pekan on October 17, 2018.

Professor Dato’ Sri Ts. Dr. Daing Nasir said Pahang was often exposed to the northeast monsoon that occurred at the end of year annually.

“A collective effort such as this may not have materialised without the support of various parties such as the technical and financial support of those with interests in the project.

“UMP is committed in conducting high-impact research involving strategic cooperation with government agency, university, research institute and industry, in line with UMP 2016-2020 Strategic Plan with its theme, ‘Communitising Technology’,” he said.

The Earth Resource Sustainability Centre (ERAS) would also carry out research with Asahitechno Co. Ltd, Yamaguchi University, Pahang Economy Planning Unit Division and Pahang Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) to help alleviate flood problems faced by the locals.

UMP was also awarded with an international grant worth RM130,000 by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct a research titled, ‘Feasibility Survey for Utilising Super Well Point Method for Soft Ground Improvement & Flood Prevention, Malaysia’.

The research would be led by ERAS Director, Associate Professor Dr. Muzamir Hasan.

Also present at the event were DID Director, Ir. Jamil Shaari, Professor Emeritus Dr. Masayuki Hyodo from Yamaguchi University in Japan, Kuantan Port Authority Senior Manager (Operation and Supervision) Dato’ Asmawi Nordin and UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Mohd Yusoff.