SHAH ALAM, Oct 9 — Seri Serdang assemblyman Abbas Azmi has called for greater grassroots involvement before development projects begin to prevent local issues from arising once construction is underway.
He said early engagement with assemblymen, local councillors and village heads was crucial to ensuring that residents' safety and the surrounding environment were given due consideration.
"When assemblymen, local councillors or village heads are not involved before a project begins, it becomes difficult to ensure that development proceeds smoothly without problems arising later," he told Media Selangor when contacted.
His remarks followed complaints of flash floods and muddy runoff affecting areas near Kampung Batu 14, Puchong, after heavy rain recently.
According to Abbas, the area had not experienced flooding for a long time, but recent heavy downpours caused water to accumulate and muddy runoff to flow through several drains near residential areas. A nearby school was also affected.
Abbas said the developer had acknowledged that the muddy runoff originated from the project site and agreed to take responsibility for the incident.
"The developer has agreed to take responsibility for cleaning up the affected areas.
"At the same time, they have also agreed to hold a town hall session with nearby residents to hear their views," he added.
Abbas stressed that he was not opposed to development, acknowledging its benefits to surrounding communities. However, he emphasised that grassroots representatives must be involved at an earlier stage to ensure that residents' interests were not adversely affected.
He also reiterated that residents' safety and well-being must always be protected and prioritised in the implementation of development projects.
Abbas had previously visited the area to personally inspect complaints concerning ongoing construction works.
The site visit was also attended by Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Zone 17 councillor Thamilarusu, MBSJ officials, the village head and residents' representatives.
