By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, May 10 — Unusually heavy rain and a ruptured bund at Sungai Langat were identified as among the key factors in the flash flood that affected several low-lying areas in Kajang on Wednesday (May 8).
Sinar Harian quoted state executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim as saying that an extraordinary rainfall of 190 millimetres within an hour led to the flood.
He also noted shortcomings in the systematic functioning of the internal drainage system.
However, Izham assured that the Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) will conduct the reconstruction work of the Sungai Langat bund as soon as possible.
“The risk of flooding escalated when there was a heavy downpour, as the current drainage system lacks the capacity to accommodate huge rainwater,” he said.
Acknowledging the need for a long-term solution to address the issue, Izham said the Selangor JPS had submitted a new project application to the national JPS via the Sungai Langat Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) Phase Two in 2022 for consideration.
He said the project encompasses a comprehensive flood management solution for the Sepang, Hulu Langat, and Kuala Langat districts.
However, Sepang was the only district to have received approval last year under the High Priority Flood Mitigation (TBBT).
Because of this, Selangor JPS has resubmitted a new application under the 12th Malaysia Plan’s Rolling Plan Five, aiming to mitigate flooding issues in Hulu Langat.
“This project includes the strengthening, widening and deepening of the river, along with the construction of pumping systems, reservoirs and drainage channels.
“This project has been shortlisted and submitted to the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry and is currently waiting to be presented to the Finance Ministry,” Izham said.
