Mohd Fauzi (standing front, centre) touring the booths set up at the townhall session held at Menara MPAJ.
TOOLS to monitor hillslopes and infrastructure upgrades are among suggestions from stakeholders at a townhall session organised by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
The session, held ahead of the tabling of the council’s 2023 budget, was attended by some 200 people who included representatives of residents and hawker associations as well as mosque committees.
Taman Bukit Jaya Residents Association chairman Harun Al-Fayed said Bukit Antarabangsa had numerous issues with landslides.
“We need short and long-term measures to repair hillslopes and implement mitigation measures to ensure residents’ safety.
“As MPAJ wants to progress with technology, I suggest the council have an app or system that can detect soil movement and alert residents on potential landslides,” he said.
MPAJ Engineering Department director Zafrul Fazry Mohd Fauzi, who was present, said 61 slopes were categorised as dangerous under the municipality.
“Pruning trees, regular maintenance, an early warning system and stabilising these slopes are four approaches that will be taken to avoid slope failures,” he said at the session.
MPAJ president Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim assured stakeholders that the council’s Engineering Department would prioritise and address issues on slopes, roads and drainage.
Meanwhile, Taman Seri Bayu Residents Association chairman Hasrul Soib stressed the importance of having proper drainage in their area, due to mudflows that residents attributed to the construction of a highway nearby.
“The area faced mudflows for three years in 2018, 2020 and 2022, which affected 19 houses.
“The community hall and shophouses opposite Taman Seri Bayu were also affected. Compensation and repairs were provided for the damage suffered.
“The only issue is that the methods implemented thus far are short-term.
“During our briefings with the Sungai Besi Ulu Kelang Elevated Highway’s representatives, they said the drainage here could not contain a huge volume of water within a short period, hence the mudflows,” said Hasrul.
Other matters raised during the town hall session at Menara MPAJ, Selangor, were social issues, lack of upgrades for community facilities and a need for community space to run educational and sports activities for schoolchildren.
Mohd Fauzi said the proposed 2023 Budget would be adjusted based on the residents’ input and the council’s capabilities.
MPAJ’s 2023 budget engagement session was a platform for residents and local stakeholders to give their opinions and suggestions to help the council prepare its allocation for municipal services and amenities for next year.
The suggestions will be categorised under infrastructure development, public facilities, landscaping, waste management, environmental cleanliness, community development or low-carbon programme.
