SHAH ALAM, Nov 3 — The construction of temporary retention ponds for an estimated RM12 million is among the measures being considered to reduce the risk of recurring flash floods in Sungai Buloh, while awaiting the completion of long-term flood mitigation projects by 2029.
Human Resources Minister cum Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said this comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive to minimise the impact of flooding on residents, particularly during the rainy season.
“The Prime Minister has directed that an interim solution be implemented. For example, retention ponds can be built to hold back water.
"The aim is not to stop flooding entirely, but at least to reduce the severity of the flooding currently occurring,” he said.
Ramanan was speaking to the media after visiting flood victims at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at Dewan Siantan in Kampung Melayu Subang today.
Earlier, Anwar also visited flood victims at the PPS, accompanied by Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari and Kota Damansara state assemblyman Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim.
He added that the recurring flash floods in the area were becoming increasingly concerning, with four incidents reported over approximately 30 days, including three in October and one in early November.
Nearly 550 houses have been affected by the recurring floods, involving an estimated 1,500 residents based on an average of three occupants per household.
Phase One and Phase Two of the Sungai Buloh and Sungai Damansara Flood Mitigation Plans (RTB) have been approved and are being implemented in stages, with both expected to be completed by 2029.
Ramanan said that cooperation between the federal and state governments is crucial to expediting the projects and ensuring that interim measures can help reduce the impact of flooding on residents.
Yesterday, heavy rain, with rainfall reaching 116.5mm in approximately one hour, caused the river to overflow and affected 92 houses in Kampung Melayu Subang. The affected areas were Lorong Merbau (30 houses), Jalan Cengal (seven), Jalan Resak (five), and Jalan Jati (50), with water levels reportedly reaching one metre.
