Puncak Alam residents fear another tragedy as hazardous drain remains uncovered

KUALA SELANGOR – Residents in several housing areas in Phase Three Puncak Alam here urge authorities to take concrete action to install barriers along a drain at Lorong Cakera Purnama 12/27 following a child’s death on April 28.

A resident, Shahrun Naim Ab Munir, 40, said safety aspects must be taken seriously as they involve lives and not merely public facilities.

“We hope the authorities, especially Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS), can take action such as installing barriers or covering the drain where appropriate,” he said when met on Wednesday.

About 1,000 housing units in Puncak Alam use the playground facilities daily.

Shahrun said the most urgent need now was the installation of protective barriers to prevent the public, especially children, from approaching the hazardous area.

“At the very least, if a ball falls or children are playing here, there should be a barrier to stop them from going down into the drain to retrieve it,” he said.

He added that the area was also dark at night, increasing risks to road users and pedestrians.

“If you are not careful, you could veer into the drain as the area is very dark at night.

“In the morning and evening, many students use this route to go to school, including those cycling, which is also risky,” he said.

Another resident, Khairul Anuar Razali, 42, said he had yet to see any physical safety improvements to the drain despite the fatal incident.

“Physically, there have been no improvements by the authorities so far, but residents are taking their own steps by reminding the community to monitor their children, especially during heavy rain,” he said.

He said the drain was located about 10 metres from a public field that often attracted crowds, especially youths in the evening.

He added that conditions became more dangerous during rain as water levels rose rapidly and currents became strong.

“This situation exposes children to risk, especially when water levels can rise between two and three metres during rain.

“For children, the drain’s water level is already considered high and dangerous,” he said.

Khairul said the incident was the first recorded case in the area but had raised serious concern among residents.

Meanwhile, Jeram assemblyman Datuk Harrison Hassan said the issue of uncovered drains posing safety risks in the area was not new and had long been raised by residents.

“We are saddened that the issue was not addressed until it resulted in a tragedy involving loss of life,” he said.

He said he and residents had long urged MPKS and the state government to review the safety aspects of open drains in the area.

He added that positive developments had begun to emerge, with plans to build protective barriers as a preventive measure.

“I understand that the Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had previously said that action would be taken, including installing fences in this area,” he said.

Harrison said basic facilities in the area, including the drain and playground, had existed for more than 10 years.

He also suggested short-term measures such as installing warning signs and safety cones in high-risk areas.

“In addition, awareness among parents is important and we hope they will not allow their children to play unsupervised, especially in risky areas.

“We need cooperation from all parties, including residents and community committees, to spread reminders through WhatsApp groups,” he said.

Recently, Khairil Izani Khaizalullinudin, 10, was swept away by strong currents after falling into the drain while playing football during heavy rain at about 3pm.

The boy’s body was later found by firefighters along the riverbank of Sungai Buloh in Ijok at about 1pm on Thursday.