SHAH ALAM, May 12 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has urged homeowners in the city to tear down illegal structures that cover drains, as this is believed to be causing flash floods in the area.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Dato’ Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the local authority will issue notices to these homeowners soon, adding that covering drains could be blocking water flow during heavy rain.
“Some homes cover their drains. We are worried that there could be unseen blockages underneath, which could disrupt water flow.
“Our drains cannot bear the water volume if rainfall exceeds 60mm for more than an hour,” he said, as reported by The Star.
Zahri added that flash floods in Petaling Jaya earlier this month occurred after heavy evening rains, with the worst-hit area being the 60-stall food court on Jalan 223 in Section 51A, having been inundated twice in two weeks.
Meanwhile, he said MBPJ’s measures to help traders affected by the recurring disaster include exempting May and June rent on business premises and holding engagement sessions with traders, which included an offer for them to move to other locations.
“They were given the option to move, but they chose to stay as the area is popular.
“MBPJ has also installed CCTVs and sirens to warn traders earlier in the event of a flood,” Zahri said.
