SHAH ALAM, Nov 6 — Two weaknesses in the drainage system have been identified as contributing factors to the return of flooding in Taman Seri Serdang, after the area had remained free from such incidents for a long time.
Seri Serdang state assemblyman Abbas Azmi said an inspection found that the water openings in the retaining wall along the main drain were too small and inadequate, causing water to drain slowly during heavy rain.
This caused water to overflow into surrounding areas, including residents’ homes, when the drainage capacity could not cope with heavy rainfall.
“There is an ongoing project to upgrade the wall and barrier along a main drain in the area. The openings for water to pass through are small and insufficient.
“As a result, when rainfall is heavy, water takes longer to flow into the main drain, causing it to overflow into other areas, including residential properties,” he told Media Selangor.
Abbas added that the second weakness involves several drains that have not been properly maintained for a long time, as well as large rocks obstructing water flow in the main drain.
In response, he urged the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) to take immediate action to clear the drains and improve the retaining wall design to provide more openings for water to flow through.
“I have asked the JPS officers who accompanied me to take immediate action to clean drains that have not been maintained for a long time. Secondly, the design should be revised so that the wall has more openings for water to enter the main drain,” Abbas said.
However, he clarified that flooding was not caused solely by infrastructure weaknesses, but was also influenced by heavy rainfall and members of the public disposing of rubbish in drains and ditches.
Recalling previous conditions, Abbas said Taman Seri Serdang had once been among the areas frequently affected by floods before the Sungai Kuyoh Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) addressed the problem, followed by further measures by JPS and the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ).
He expressed surprise at receiving reports of flooding early last week, prompting the representative to visit the area. Abbas also instructed councillors and village heads in the Seri Serdang state constituency to monitor drains and ditches to prevent further blockages.
