Klang Valley residents demand lasting fix for flash flood woes

SHAH ALAM - Residents across Shah Alam, Puchong, Klang and Subang Jaya are weary of recurring flash floods and demand concrete solutions to prevent another disaster like the one witnessed at IOI Mall, Puchong, last month.

The shopping mall and surrounding areas often face severe flooding and congestion during heavy rain, prompting cries for action from frustrated residents.

Tired of Flood Losses

Sinar's "Apa Khabar Rakyat" segment delves into public sentiment on the issue.

Residents like food delivery driver Aidil Zulkarnain Zulkifli express their fatigue with floods and the burden of vehicle damage they cause.

They urge authorities, particularly local councils, to take proactive measures to address the problem.

"Several other friends also got stranded on the same route," he said when met at a supermarket yesterday.

As a result, he hoped the authorities, especially local authorities, could take proactive steps to resolve the issue.

Pointing Fingers at Maintenance

On the other hand, Mohd Bakhtiar Mohd Pahroraji, 55, said local authorities need to improve and enhance maintenance activities for drainage systems, waste disposal, tree-cutting, and clearing overgrown areas.

"The issue of flash floods is not solely due to natural factors but more towards neglected maintenance aspects," said the private sector employee.

Puchong resident Kova, 46, believed that the flash floods at IOI Mall in Puchong stemmed from a blocked drainage system.

"If the drains are not blocked, the risk of flash floods can be reduced and maybe even completely overcome if the drainage system is upgraded," said the father.

Flash floods hit the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) near IOI Mall in Puchong due to heavy rain on Dec 16.

IOI Mall Puchong was also affected after being submerged in floods and several key areas in the Klang Valley were reported congested due to rising water levels.

Also affected were several areas within the Kinrara State Legislative Assembly constituency, including Taman Kinrara 2, Bandar Kinrara 4, and Taman Pak Siong.

Prioritising Flood Mitigation

Kinrara Assemblyman Ng Sze Han reported that flash floods were one of his priorities and his team continually sought ways to address them.

He noted that flood mitigation projects within the Kinrara had been carried out periodically and consistently improved based on the needs at hotspot locations.

"For example, the flood issue in Taman Kinrara 1 was comprehensively addressed in 2022, involving an allocation of RM1.1 million (bank strengthening and embankment construction by the Drainage and Irrigation Department), as well as the deepening of the Bohol flood retention pond by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in the upper Kuyoh River.

"DBKL once again provided feedback that the Bohol pond deepening work was carried out in November, helping to accommodate heavy rainfall, such as the one reported on Dec 16, where rainfall was reported at 83 millimeters per hour," he said.

On Taman Kinrara 2, he said that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has made preparations to upgrade the main drain in TK2 to prevent recurring floods.

"We will provide information on the upgrading project from time to time, and at the same time, the Klang River Flood Mitigation Plan project is expected to start soon," he said.

He added that all these efforts were crucial to ensure the drainage system in Puchong and Subang could smoothly flow into the main river.

"For incidents at IOI Mall, it involve various agencies and private entities such as IOI Mall, LDP Highway Management, and Prasarana or Rapid Rail.

"A joint meeting with the involved parties was held on Dec 21 and at the moment, two critical flash flood areas are IOI Mall and Taman Kinrara 2, as well as the restoration of landslide areas in Taman Wawasan.

"MBSJ is preparing a report and working papers to be presented at the first meeting of the Selangor Economic Action Council," he said.

He further stated that all agencies would provide final feedback and suggest the total cost for further government research to consider long-term solutions.