SHAH ALAM, July 18 — Selayang’s Wan San Temple has called for a permanent solution to recurring floods at its premises, saying clogged drains, upstream waste and overlapping jurisdiction between two local authorities have allowed the problem to persist.
General affairs head Ho Gik Moi said rubbish from nearby factories and residential flats was washed into drains surrounding the temple during heavy rain, causing blockages and flash floods.
"The temple has been here for eight years, and flooding occurs almost every time it rains heavily.
"The latest incident happened in June, when water levels rose, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through Jalan Selayang Baru," she said, Star Metro reported.
Ho said the temple has been paying about RM800 each time to clear the clogged drains.
Temple committee member Tan Soon Seng said the rubbish not only produced foul odours but also attracted rats that had chewed through the temple's closed-circuit television (CCTV) wiring.
In a statement, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) said Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) had cleared the drains in front of the temple on July 1 and 2.
The council had also carried out jetting works on July 7 to improve water flow.
It added that the affected drain passes through a private lot and is not under its maintenance inventory, but said it would engage the landowner to find a long-term solution.
MPS has also instructed the management of a nearby apartment to remove recyclable waste which were believed to be contributing to the blockage.
Meanwhile, DBKL said it had inspected the site with Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and community representatives on July 2.
