SHAH ALAM - The Selangor State Government will raise the height of the embankments along Sungai Pelempas, near Kampung Melayu Subang, as an immediate measure to address recurring flooding in the area.
State executive councillor for Infrastructure and Agriculture, Datuk Izham Hashim, said on-site observations revealed the riverbanks are unable to contain water flow during heavy rainfall, causing water to overflow into residential areas.
He added that the state government will submit a proposal for the project to the State Executive Council (MMKN) in the near future to secure approval, allowing the embankment-raising works to be expedited.
"One of the identified measures is to increase the height of the lower sections of the embankments by 0.5 to 1 metre (m), at an estimated cost of less than RM1 million," he told reporters after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters of the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) in Section 33 here today.
The ceremony, officiated by State Secretary Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, was also attended by Selangor Executive Councillor for Health and Environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, and Luas chief assistant director, Haslina Amer.
Last Monday, several areas in Subang and Sungai Buloh including Jalan Jati, Kampung Melayu Subang, and Kampung Kubu Gajah were hit by floods, with water levels reaching between 0.3 and 0.6 metres.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who visited flood victims in Kampung Melayu Subang yesterday, directed that the Sungai Buloh and Sungai Damansara Flood Mitigation Projects (RTB) valued at nearly RM700 million be accelerated, following the recurring floods that have affected local residents.
Commenting on the progress of the Sungai Buloh flood mitigation project (RTB), Izham said the project is still in its early stages following the approval of its funding late last year and is expected to take four to five years to complete, encompassing the design phase, land acquisition, and physical construction.
Meanwhile, Izham noted that enforcement action is also required in parts of the Sungai Pelempas area, as some houses have been built within the river reserve.
He added that approval for this action, which concerns a stretch spanning several hundred metres, was only obtained last week.
"The state government will strive to minimise the impact of relocation; however, the proximity of houses to the river leaves the area vulnerable to overflowing water.
"Therefore, the construction of embankments or flood walls must be accompanied by enforcement measures to ensure the safety of residents and the protection of the public interest," he said.
He added that the state government is also implementing interim mitigation measures such as installing water pumps and raising embankments in high-risk areas while awaiting the completion of the Flood Mitigation Project (RTB).
Furthermore, the state government has allocated an additional RM70 million to carry out 255 'quick-win' projects across Selangor, which include the installation of pumps as well as the cleaning of drains and ditches, he noted.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fadzli stated that the construction of the new LUAS headquarters, a RM65 million project situated on a 14,729-square-foot site is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2029.
He explained that the four-story building, which features a user-friendly architectural design, will house office spaces, an auditorium, a multipurpose hall, a control centre, a water quality laboratory, and parking facilities.
"Beyond strengthening LUAS’s administrative, operational, and service delivery capabilities in managing the state’s water resources, this strategic initiative also supports the implementation and success of the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) project," he said. - BERNAMA