HULU LANGAT, Sept 17 — Many residents are unclear about the meaning of “RTB (flood mitigation plan)”, which is often heard when disaster strikes, Dusun Tua assemblyman Datuk Johan Abd Aziz said.
He explained that the RTB is a comprehensive effort to lower flood risks by deepening and widening rivers, building catchment pools, and improving drainage systems.
“RTBs aren’t normal projects; they involve detailed technical studies including into the river network, land acquisition, and the building of supporting infrastructure. All this ensures controlled water flow during heavy rain. Put simply, (the local RTB) is to majorly upgrade Sungai Langat,” he said.
Johan said the federal government has given RM512 million for the Sungai Langat RTB, for which consultants are drawing up a technical study report.
“Consultants are looking into technical aspects including parts of the river that need deepening or widening, the (river) network involved, and the area of land that needs to be acquired. This process requires consultant expertise and it will take a while before physical works start,” he told Media Selangor.
He added that the state government has launched local RTBs to the tune of RM10 million each in Kampung Batu 16 and Kampung Batu 10 in Cheras, as well as given nearly RM2 million to deepen Sungai Sering and replace dilapidated bridges.
Johan said the massive 2021 floods that destroyed over 6,000 homes present an important lesson about the importance of expediting RTBs.
“Since I won this seat, I have fought for this issue. I have brought up (floods) at the assembly for two years, and thank God, the state government approved RM10 million for small-scale mitigation plans in Batu 16 and Batu 10. This shows we are serious about protecting the people.”
He added that his office has repeatedly urged that the federal government expedite the Sungai Langat RTB as residents’ concerns heighten every time it rains heavily.
“We have pushed so residents don’t have to wait too long. They said a year, but six months have already gone by. I asked that by the end of the year at least, early works must begin. If there are critical locations, address those first,” he said.
He also said the RTB funded by the state government will start in a month or two, with a completion timeline of about six months.
“Hulu Langat needs special attention as the water catchment area supplies more than half of the Klang Valley’s clean water. There are many main rivers and subsidiaries here like Sungai Lopo, Sungai Congkak, Sungai Manggis, Sungai Gabai, and Sungai Pansun. These all need a methodical drainage system, that’s why we need a large budget for RTBs,” Johan explained.
Meanwhile, during its survey this morning to the flood-hit Kampung Batu 16, Media Selangor found that waters had fully receded and homes were habitable.
Johan also vowed that the Dusun Tua Community Service Centre will help evacuate residents to temporary relief centres (PPS) if the area floods again.
He said the village in Batu 12 is on alert for flash floods as the river level has been climbing.
“Villages nearby are on alert and ready for possible flash floods since last week, though waters haven’t risen (that much) yet.
“Rainfall is easing but the Dusun Tua service centre is at the ready with village heads, safety authorities are ready to reopen PPS… distribute basic aid like food and drinks if floods recur,” said Johan.
Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department records showed the river level near Batu 12 at 42.41m, which is approaching the danger level, at 9.10am today, due to continuous rain since early morning.
