SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — Flooding in Kampung Padang Jawa has become more manageable following drainage improvement works implemented since 2024, although residents hope infrastructure upgrading efforts will continue to prevent a recurrence.
Kampung Padang Jawa village chief Samsudin Nali said heavy rainfall previously caused water to overflow onto roads and affect residents, but the situation improved after the retention pond and sluice gate were operational.
No serious complaints have been received so far about flooding, although some homes in low-lying areas have still experienced brief rises in water levels.
“Previously, many residents' houses were affected by floodwater, particularly along the middle section of Jalan Mat Raji. However, this no longer happens because the retention pond is in place and the sluice gate is operational.
“Only low-lying areas experience rising water levels, but the situation is not severe, with water reaching only the kitchen area, depending on the location,” he told Media Selangor.
Samsudin added that most drains along residential roads are earthen drains, which are prone to sedimentation and could allow water to seep through drainage openings.
Meanwhile, resident Zulkifli Cik Musa, who has lived in Padang Jawa for 30 years, said floods that previously occurred frequently during rainfall had become less common following river dredging works and the construction of a sluice gate.
“We used to worry whenever there was heavy rain because the area was easily flooded, but since the improvement works were carried out, there has been no more flooding.
“I am grateful to the state government for upgrading the drainage system in Padang Jawa,” he said.
Separately, SK Padang Jawa Parent-Teacher Association chairman Mohd Tahar Aliyas said the school grounds, which previously flooded within five to 10 minutes of rainfall with water levels reaching one to two feet, no longer experiences flooding following the improvement works in 2024.
The previous problem was caused by a blocked monsoon drain culvert behind the school, but the ageing drainage system along Jalan Mat Raji still requires attention.
“Following the improvement works in 2024, the school grounds have no longer experienced flooding as they did previously.
“We hope the drainage system along Jalan Mat Raji will also receive attention and be upgraded, as most of the existing drains are old, while new drainage infrastructure remains limited. Nevertheless, the efforts undertaken by the elected representative have had a positive impact,” he said.
Elsewhere, trader Zakaria Talib, whose business premises are located near the drainage channel and sluice gate, called for river dredging works to be expedited as his business area is among the first locations to be flooded.
“I hope the works can be expedited because if flooding happens again, our premises will be among the first to be inundated,” he said.
