MCA Selangor has urged the state government to provide clear timelines and effective interim safeguards for residents of Kampung Melayu Subang after the area was reportedly hit by its fourth flood in November.
Videos shared by residents on social media showed parts of the neighbourhood inundated again on Wednesday (Nov 11), prompting concerns over the effectiveness of existing flood mitigation measures.
MCA Selangor state liaison committee chairman Datuk Lawrence Low said residents should not have to live in fear every time heavy rain strikes, with their homes, belongings and families exposed to recurring flood risks.
“MCA Selangor takes note of the Selangor government’s announcement to raise the embankment along Sungai Pelempas by between 0.5 and one metre to reduce flood risks, particularly by preventing river water from overflowing into residential areas during heavy rain and high tides,” he stated.
“However, what assurance can the government provide that this measure will be sufficient to address a problem that has persisted for so long?”
The proposed embankment works were announced by Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim on Nov 4, following inspections that identified low-lying sections of the riverbank where water had been overflowing during heavy rain.
The works were estimated to cost less than RM1 mil and were subject to state approval.
Low also questioned whether the existing drainage and sewerage systems could cope with heavy rainfall, calling for a comprehensive assessment of drains, main drainage channels, water outlets and pumping systems to identify the causes of recurring floods.
He said the state government should also explain how the implementation of the Flood Mitigation Plan (Rancangan Tebatan Banjir, RTB) would be monitored to prevent delays.
Another concern was the impact of new developments in surrounding areas on existing residential neighbourhoods, particularly whether their drainage systems and land-use changes had increased flood risks.
Low further called for details of emergency arrangements should flooding recur before the mitigation projects were completed.
These should include early warning systems, evacuation procedures, emergency assistance and coordination among the relevant agencies, he said.
“Transparency is essential to ensure residents know what is being done, rather than being left with announcements but little information on their implementation,” he added.
He also urged the state government to provide regular updates on the progress of mitigation works, including the utilisation of allocated funds and the actual work completed on the ground.
State outlines immediate and long-term measures
Meanwhile, the state government has announced several measures to address flooding in Kampung Melayu Subang.
On Nov 7, the Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) said it would deepen Sungai Pelempas to improve drainage capacity while preparing larger pumps and other measures to reduce flood risks.
The department also said pump capacity at Jalan Resak would be increased from 140 litres per second to 280 litres per second, while a 280-litre-per-second pump would be provided at Jalan Ikhlas.
Other measures include installing flap gates to prevent river water from flowing back into internal drains and identifying locations for flood walls and river improvements.
On Wednesday, Nov 11, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that work to deepen Sungai Pelempas would begin the following day. The state would also clean several retention ponds around Elmina as part of immediate flood mitigation efforts.
He said a special meeting involving relevant departments, agencies and local authorities had reviewed the progress of the longer-term flood mitigation plan and identified additional measures to reduce the impact on affected residents.
Amirudin also said he would meet residents in affected areas the following week to hear their concerns and explain the measures being implemented.
The longer-term Sungai Buloh Flood Mitigation Plan is expected to take several years to complete, with the state previously indicating that the process could require four to five years, including design, land acquisition and construction.
Low acknowledged that large-scale flood mitigation projects required time and coordination among multiple agencies.
However, he said the time needed to complete them should not leave residents exposed to repeated flooding without adequate interim protection.
He stressed that residents simply wanted to go about their daily lives without fearing that their homes would be inundated whenever heavy rain occurred.
“Therefore, MCA Selangor urges the state government to provide clear answers, take systematic action and deliver tangible solutions,” he stated.
“This recurring problem must be addressed comprehensively rather than allowing residents to endure further disruption and uncertainty while waiting for promised improvements.” ‒ Focus Malaysia
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