SHAH ALAM, May 9 — The federal government has allocated RM1.69 billion to the Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) for five high-priority flood mitigation projects in Klang, Petaling and Sepang.
Selangor JPS director Nasser Salim said apart from the flood mitigation project, the department has implemented projects to stabilise and strengthen riverbanks and upgrade drainage.
“As the implementation of long-term projects will take some time, the state government channelled allocations to the state JPS to implement medium- and short-term projects, which will provide local solutions, especially in flood hotspots,” he said in a recent interview with the media.
He said cooperation between the federal government, Selangor government, and the state JPS is crucial, especially for medium-term projects in 79 flood hotspots and 354 areas at flood risk in the state.
Nasser said to ensure the drainage system is always functional, the department immediately repairs damage to the lines based on complaints received.
He said Selangor JPS supplied, among others, 123 mobile water pumps for urgent work, such as in Meru, where there is stagnant water.
He emphasised that several flood warning systems have been developed, including a siren system and SMS alerts to warn residents of floods.
“The department conducts annual maintenance work to ensure drainage capacity is at an optimal level before the northeast monsoon,” he said.
Nasser said the state JPS has done its best to address flooding in Selangor, such as by requiring the construction of water catchments based on 100 Average Recurrence Intervals for each land development application.
He said the catchment design should be considered a parameter in the preparation of a master drainage plan in areas of proposed development.
— Bernama
