By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 16 — In a renewed bid to tackle floodings in the Petaling and Kuala Selangor districts, the Selangor government is seeking Federal government approval and funding of RM760 million for the implementation of the Sungai Buloh Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 2.
State executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim explained that although the project had initially received approval in 2017, only RM50 million was allocated at the time.
This is a fraction of the original RM456 million that was estimated to effectively address the flooding concerns in the affected areas, he said.
pointed out that the limited funds granted then were primarily directed towards the implementation of Phase 1 of the project, predominantly in the Kuala Selangor district.
He said this is due to the severe flooding there, particularly when heavy downpours coincide with high tides, hampering the discharge of drain water into the rivers.
“That is why we are seeking the approval of Phase 2 of the project, with an estimated budget of RM760 million from the Federal government.
“This second phase will focus on tributaries along the Sungai Buloh river basin, which will help solve flooding issues in the Petaling and Kuala Selangor districts,” he said in the State Legislative Assembly today.
Izham was responding to a question from Paya Jeras assemblyman Datuk Halim Tamuri on the steps taken by the government to resolve flooding issues in his constituency.
Despite the constraints, Izham said the state has taken its own initiative to mitigate flooding in the Petaling district, including Paya Jaras.
“While we are awaiting approval for the project, we’ve initiated smaller-scale interventions within our budgetary constraints to alleviate flooding, especially in areas along the Sungai Buloh river basin and its tributaries,” he said.
Izham added that other efforts include enhancement projects for Sungai Kedondong and Sungai Subang.
