7 March 2024

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, proudly presents the Southern Asian Conference (SEACETUS) 2024 with the theme “Innovation and Sustainable Underground Space Development” from the 5th to the 7th of March 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This esteemed event aims to unite professionals and experts in the field to explore advancements and best practices in tunneling and underground space engineering.

On the 7th of March 2024, 20 delegates from IEM had the unique opportunity to delve deeper into the construction and operation of the Serendah tunnel. Situated in Serendah, Rawang, the tunnel spans 10 km and is managed by Section 8 CCC. The visit provided a hands-on experience for attendees to witness innovative techniques and sustainable practices employed in underground space development.

As participants explored the Serendah Tunnel, they were guided through various stages of tunnel construction, from excavation to lining and finishing. Experts and project engineers were on hand to elucidate the engineering principles, structural design considerations, and safety measures implemented to ensure the functionality and longevity of the tunnel.

Furthermore, the site visit facilitated interactive sessions where participants could engage with industry professionals, pose questions, and exchange ideas on best practices and emerging trends in tunneling and underground space engineering. This interactive learning environment fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in underground space development, inspiring collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.

4 – 5 March 2024

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal (DNPWC), and the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, Mongolia (MRTD), recently sent a letter to WWF-Malaysia expressing their interest in visiting the sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure project site of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. The successful implementation of green infrastructure in projects such as the Genting-Gombak-Serendah for the ECRL project has attracted attention from delegations in Nepal and Mongolia. Together, we engaged in an experience-sharing session and technical site visit on March 4th and 5th.

The first day of the event involved a visit to the CCC-ECRL HQ office, where the guests were presented with insights about the ECRL project’s efforts to implement wildlife-friendly infrastructure. They learned about our strategies for managing wildlife and biodiversity, ensuring minimal disruption to the migration of wild animals and the fragmentation of habitats. A Q&A session provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion and clarification.

On the second day, the delegation visited Section 6, specifically the Wildlife Box Culvert located in the Kemasul Forest Reserve in Temerloh, Pahang. This site visit offered a firsthand look at the practical implementation of environmentally friendly infrastructure within the ECRL project.

We are committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the realm of sustainable infrastructure development and conservation efforts, and we look forward to further opportunities for partnership and shared learning.