Selangor, KL Need More Permanent Flood Retention Ponds: Minister

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur require more flood retention ponds that must be permanently safeguarded from any development or disposal to tackle flash floods in these areas. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh stated that this proposal will be discussed with the Selangor state government through a special task force by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). This aims to ensure a more comprehensive flood mitigation strategy is implemented.

"We need to discuss with the Selangor government to create more flood retention ponds that will not be sold, but rather protected to guarantee the future of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor," Yeoh said in the Dewan Rakyat. She was responding to a supplementary question from V Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) regarding assurances that no more critical flood mitigation areas would be sacrificed for development.

Yeoh also noted that 16 local retention ponds (OSDs) have been constructed to reduce the risk of similar incidents. Nine of these are fully completed, five are expected to be finished within three years, and two are currently under construction. She added that private parties, developers, and DBKL are mandated to build OSDs to collect rainwater, with 65 OSDs currently developed by developers to address flash floods in Kuala Lumpur.

DBKL has stipulated that planning applications in areas around retention ponds in Kuala Lumpur will not be approved until technical conditions set by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and other technical agencies are met. This measure aims to control any procedural violations. DBKL will also enhance governance and compliance for development conditions related to flood mitigation infrastructure. This ensures effective implementation and adherence to technical requirements under the Guidelines for Soil Work Plans and Engineering Plan Guidelines. DBKL will also strengthen inter-agency cooperation and coordination to ensure flood mitigation infrastructure assets are properly managed, maintained, and preserved to function effectively.

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We need to discuss with the Selangor government to create more flood retention ponds that will not be sold, but rather protected to guarantee the future of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.