Heavy investment has not stopped flooding, says Selangor rep

 

Heavy overnight rain led to widespread flooding in Taman Sri Muda, Taman Desa Kemuning, Kampung Bukit Lanchong, Bukit Kemuning and Kampung Lanchong Jaya in Selangor this morning. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

More needs to be done to address flooding in Selangor, says Kota Kemuning assemblyman S Preakas, after floods hit five residential areas in the state this morning, impacting thousands of residents and damaging property.

Heavy rain that began just after midnight led to widespread flooding in Taman Sri Muda, Taman Desa Kemuning, Kampung Bukit Lanchong, Bukit Kemuning and Kampung Lanchong Jaya.

Preakas said the floods were recurring despite the state’s heavy investment in flood mitigation measures. He urged Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari to address the matter.

He said it was particularly worrying that the floods have now spread beyond Taman Sri Muda to other neighbourhoods in the constituency.

“This clearly shows that the existing mitigation system, including the pumps and drainage infrastructure, is either inadequate or not functioning effectively,” he said in a statement.

According to him, the flood pumps were activated at 3am despite the rain having begun around midnight.

“This is clear evidence that the current system is not sufficient,” he said.

Preakas said improvements to the flood mitigation measures should include tighter oversight, and the realignment of technical agencies like the department of drainage and irrigation and local councils to being directly supervised by the menteri besar’s office.

“The residents do not want to blame anyone, they want solutions. They want to know that the government cares, listens, and is ready to act decisively,” he said.

Selangor fire and rescue department assistant director (operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar was quoted today as saying flash floods were recorded in Petaling, Klang, Sepang, Hulu Langat and Gombak. - FMT