SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 — Selangor will improve flood mitigation in Shah Alam after the High Court ruled that the government is accountable for the devastating 2021 floods in Taman Sri Muda, said state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim.
He said the state government, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and technical agencies will activate various measures, including the Shah Alam Urban Stormwater Drainage Action Plan (SASUD), the Section 25 Klang River Flood Mitigation Project, and upgrading the Taman Sri Muda retention pond, drainage system, and nearby floodgates, bunds and riverbanks.
“The state government has also taken steps by deepening Sungai Klang around Taman Sri Muda, which will increase the river’s capacity by about 20 per cent, in addition to improving the management of pumps and floodgates in the area,” he said yesterday when contacted by Media Selangor.
Ng said the state government has spent between RM30 million and RM40 million on deepening Sungai Klang.
He added that the RM140.72 million federal government-funded Section 25 project is underway and will be done on January 31, 2029.
“This mitigation effort is not something that will only start now. Some projects have already been implemented and are ongoing,” he said.
His comments came after the High Court on Tuesday ruled in favour of 50 Taman Sri Muda residents over the December 2021 floods, for which it found the federal government, the Selangor branch of the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), and MBSA liable.
Ng said the state government respects the ruling, will review the grounds of judgment, and will consult Selangor Legal Adviser Mohamad Onn Abd Aziz on future moves.
“The decision shows that … local authorities’ management of drainage systems and public infrastructure must be continuous and effective,” he said, adding lessons learnt from the 2021 floods must be translated into real improvements.
He also urged local authorities to remain vigilant and be more proactive in flood mitigation and preparedness.
“Local authorities must act more proactively and not just depend on the usual framework or approach,” Ng said.
