Petaling Jaya Flooding Solutions Expected by Year-End

The Selangor state government is taking swift action to tackle persistent flooding in Petaling Jaya, with immediate and medium-term measures expected to be completed by November or the end of the year. Datuk Izham Hashim, Selangor's Exco for Agriculture and Infrastructure, highlighted that the focus is on three critical zones: Section 51A, Kampung Cempaka, and the FAS Tunnel at Jalan PJU1A/4F.

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We have approved at the state level the implementation of three types of categories for flood mitigation involving immediate and medium-term measures.

These areas are part of a larger initiative encompassing 12 identified locations, with a total budget of RM40.5 million allocated for 39 projects managed by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS). Immediate actions at Section 51A include repairing and sealing breaches in the existing Sungai Penchala flood wall. In Kampung Cempaka, a RM16 million flood mitigation project is underway, with a slight delay due to a switch from screw pumps to submersible pumps to accommodate the narrow site.

At the FAS Tunnel, a RM400,000 flood gate installation by MBPJ aims to address backflow issues where water from Sungai Penchala currently flows back into the area. These efforts come as a recent Utusan Malaysia report highlighted that over 8.3 million Klang Valley residents face continuous flood risks due to critically low flood retention pond capacity. The recent flash flood at Medan Selera 223 in Section 51A, Petaling Jaya, marked the fifth occurrence in two months.

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We have never heard before of rain reaching 100 millimeters (mm), 80, 120 mm at one time. Sometimes it's heavy in Petaling Jaya, but not raining in Shah Alam. The situation is very unusual with the El Nino phenomenon (now).

Izham attributed the escalating flood problem, particularly in previously unaffected areas, to climate change and unprecedented rainfall patterns, citing instances of 100-120mm rainfall in short periods. He also pointed to innovative solutions like On-Site Detention (OSD) systems using eco-blocks, a German technology that allows for significant water storage in small spaces with low maintenance costs, as part of a strategy to manage floodwaters at their source before they enter the drainage system.

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It is needed to accommodate temporary flash floodwaters, which are proposed to be managed by local authorities (PBT) or JPS. Not by private entities for maintenance anymore.