Selangor state infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim showing the location of proposed flood mitigation projects for Petaling Jaya. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government has allocated RM40.5 million to implement flood mitigation plans in high-risk areas under the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim said they involve 39 projects, Bernama reported.
He said frequent flash floods occurred in urban areas due to rapid development, high-intensity rainfall, and global climate changes. Izham said some of these projects would be completed in less than six months, while others may take up to a year to show improvements. Speaking after a flood management meeting with Petaling Jaya mayor Zahri Samingon today, Izham said the 26 projects categorised under immediate measures involved a cost of RM20.1 million.
Another 13 medium-term measures involved an allocation of RM20.4 million. Izham said 12 areas have been identified as focus locations. Three areas will be given critical priority, namely Section 51A (Jalan 223), Kampung Cempaka and the FAS tunnel area near Jalan PJU 1A.
These involve the construction of the flood wall, the installation of a flap gate, the construction of a retention pond, and the use of new technology such as ecoblocks from Germany. He said underground utility routes and land ownership issues need to be resolved first. Meanwhile, Zahri said that MBPJ had also implemented several initiatives to reduce the burden on traders affected by the flash floods on April 20 and May 6.
These include the installation of alarm systems and drain water level detectors, facility improvements, as well as exemptions and reductions in rental rates for premises. They include the exemption of rent for business premises and a 30% reduction in rent rates, from July to December, for affected traders on Jalan 223.
Summary from source