KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has been making early preparations to face the monsoon season in three states – Terengganu, Pahang and Perak – by reducing the water levels in its three hydroelectric dams to increase storage capacity.

       In a statement, TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd (TNB Genco) managing director Datuk Nor Azman Mufti said, right now, the three TNB dams that are in Tasik Kenyir, Cameron Highlands, and Sungai Perak are ready to hold the expected higher volume of water from upstream.

       “The release of water from the dams was done gradually and in a controlled manner in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and with the cooperation of local authorities and related agencies,” he said in a statement to Bernama.

       Nor Azman said these dams not only generate electricity but also function as flood mitigation structures to hold large amounts of rainwater during the monsoons.

       The capacity of the dams to hold upstream water can help avoid bigger disasters downstream, he said.

       Nor Azman said TNB had also held a series of briefings on emergency preparedness and coordination at hydroelectric stations to increase the efficiency of all parties in their flood operations.

       He also advised the public to prioritise safety aspects and to always be vigilant and follow the instructions of the authorities if their premises were flooded.

       In a situation where a power substation is flooded, the power supply will be cut off and will only be reconnected on TNB’s advice, he added.