RAWANG, Sept 24 — The low-lying Jalan Maxwell area in Rawang, frequently affected by flash floods, has finally received attention, with the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) undertaking a RM350,000 upgrade of its drains.
The works are done under the Malaysian Road Information System (Marris) allocation.
Rawang state assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat said the project, which began on August 15, is expected to be completed by November 19, bringing relief to about 50 shop owners who have long faced flooding problems during heavy rain.
“Two drainage channels, each 500 metres long, will be widened up to twice their current size to increase water retention and flow capacity.
"This is expected to reduce flooding in the area," he said when inspecting the works at the project site with MPS representatives today.
Chua added that he raised the issue with the state government in 2023, before MPS took over the management of the road and drains to carry out the upgrading works.
The Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) had previously installed water pumps in the drains and Sungai Raja to speed up outflow, but the existing system was still unable to cope during heavy rain.
“For this reason, MPS will also conduct studies, including measures to divert water flow directly into Sungai Raja. In addition, future plans will be made to upgrade the drains near the Giant hypermarket to ensure smoother flow into the river,” he said.
