By Mustakim Ramli
KLANG, Sept 10 — The state government has taken immediate steps by increasing the number of water pumps, cleaning the riverways and building a temporary flood retention pond at Taman Melawis here to avoid major floods.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the move was taken due to the high tide phenomenon, which is expected to occur soon, in addition to the ongoing drainage and flood mitigation project in the area which has yet to be completed.
"Part of the reason (for the floods) was due to the ecosystem around this residential area that was built in the 1960s, which is now surrounded by rapid development. It resulted in an increase in water flow, which worsens the situation when high tides and heavy rains occur.
"So what we can do now is to increase the number of (water) pumps, clear the pathways to ensure smoother water flow and build a temporary flood retention pond," he said when visiting the area today.
Amirudin said works on the drainage upgrade and flood mitigation project in the area started in April this year and are expected to be completed in April 2024.
"Projects like this take a long time and have high costs as it involves utility acquisition. Although the distance involved is only 1.2 kilometres yet the cost is RM16 million.
"This is due to the need to divert the electricity, water and so on which added to the cost, especially since this area is located next to a railway line that uses electricity," he said.
