SHAH ALAM, Sept 29 — Efforts are underway to strengthen long-term flood mitigation in Ampang Jaya through the construction of two retention ponds and drainage upgrades in several areas.
The measures follow flash floods on September 20 that affected Taman Ukay Heights and several other areas.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the flooding was triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall, with 155mm recorded within two hours, The Star reported.
In Taman Ukay Heights, water from Sungai Kongsi Lapan overflowed after the river was unable to cope with the heavy downpour, affecting low-lying areas including Jalan Chong Khoon Lin.
He said about 20 houses along Jalan Chong Khoon Lin and Jalan Kolam Air were affected.
“Water from the internal drainage system also could not flow into the river as it was already at full capacity,” he said, as reported by the English daily.
Following this, Hasrolnizam said the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) will upgrade Sungai Kongsi Lapan and build a retention pond in Taman Tun Abdul Razak with an allocation of RM15 million.
MPAJ, meanwhile, will construct another retention pond in Kampung Baru Ampang at an estimated cost of RM700,000.
“The project is expected to begin towards the end of this year and take between six months and a year to complete. We will also improve the drainage system in the area.”
He said MPAJ had also identified drainage improvements along Jalan Pandan Indah after the main monsoon drain was overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, causing brief flooding near the commercial area.
“The plan is to redirect excess water through upgraded drains towards Sungai Kerayong. Construction is expected to start early next year and take about six months to complete.”
