Tidal flooding affecting factories in Teluk Gong, says DAP man

One of the factories in Teluk Gong, Klang, which was inundated with seawater during high tide yesterday. (Charles Santiago Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Rising sea levels and climate change have left factories in Telok Gong, Klang, inundated with seawater during high tide for the first time.

Charles Santiago.

In a Facebook post, DAP’s Klang MP Charles Santiago said he visited a pallet factory yesterday which was experiencing tidal flooding due to the seasonal high tide, which he said has never been an issue in the past.

 “We need better levels of preparedness to face slow onset events of sea-level rise and climate change that are beginning to emerge in various parts of Klang,” he said.

Speaking to FMT, Santiago said he visited factories in December which incurred losses of up to RM500,000 as a result of these floods.

Stating that the drainage around the factory looked like it hadn’t been cleaned for years, he also noted that the water in these drains were stagnant.

Pointing out that high costs meant relocating was not a viable option for businesses, he urged the government to expedite its flood mitigation plans for Klang.

“The most immediate way forward is to clean up the drainage system,” he said.

“In the long run, we really have to redesign or rethink Klang’s entire drainage system.” - FMT