By Sheeda Fathil
SUBANG JAYA, June 8 — The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MBSJ) has demolished illegal constructions built over the drains on Jalan USJ 1/19 and USJ 1/20, Taman Subang Permai, here yesterday.
Its Corporate and Strategic Management director Muhammad Azli Miswan said the action was taken after 25 premises owners involved in the offence ignored the initial notices issued by the local council in March.
“After receiving the notices under the Road, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), the premise owners were given at least 30 days to clear the illegal constructions over the drains.
“However, we found that they have ignored the notices after the 30 days were up, therefore we proceeded with the demolition operation today (yesterday),” he said.
Muhammad Azli the joint operation yesterday involved 60 MBSJ personnel from different departments and 30 personnel from KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM).
He also urged premise owners to not construct any additional structures over the drain as it disrupts cleaning works and can cause flash floods.
“Premise owners also need to be accountable for the illegally constructed structures and should not wait for the authorities to take action.
“After this operation, KDEBWM will clean up the remaining waste and the structures that were demolished,” he said.
Muhammad Azli added that MBSJ will boost the operations to demolish of illegal constructions, especially in commercial areas that disrupt the local residents.
Meanwhile, KDEBWM said it would be easier to conduct clean-up works at the drains on Jalan USJ 1/19 and USJ 1/20, Taman Subang Permai, following the demolition of the illegal constructions.
Its Subang Jaya Operations head Mohd Fauzan Hushim said that it was difficult to carry out the cleaning work, which was previously conducted twice a month, and resulted in dirty and clogged drains.
“Previously, the cleaning work was done several times, but it only provided short-term solutions.
“For a long-term solution, KDEBWM in collaboration with MBSJ, carried out a joint operation to get rid of the obstructions and clean up the accumulated waste that could not be cleared previously,” he said.
Mohd Fauzan that following the demolition operations, drain cleaning using high-pressure water jetters and catch basin cleaners was carried out.
“We urge restaurant owners, in particular, to consider alternatives when filtering food waste and not allow it to enter the drains, which can cause blockages or flash floods.
“KDEBWM only cleans the drainage system in commercial areas twice a month. We call upon everyone to take responsible actions to ease the process for all,” he said.
