FLASH floods that occurred in parts of Kajang, Selangor, recently, can be attributed to rapid development, says Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan.
He said this had led to sedimentation and rivers becoming shallow over time.
“Regular river deepening and cleaning remain the most effective way to lower flood risk for parts of Kajang,” he said.
On April 11, 12 homes at Kampung Sungai Merab Luar were flooded and 15 residents had to be evacuated by the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department.
“Many parts of Bangi need constant dredging because of rapid development,” he said when met during the launch of a youth hub in Section 4, Bandar Baru Bangi.
He said regular dredging by the Drainage and Irrigation Department had helped reduce flooding in some areas in Bangi.
“Regular desilting has proven effective, especially in preventing floods in places like Taman Mesra and Taman Saujana Impian.
“The clearing work has been successful in flood-prone areas like Taman Sri Langat as there were no flooding there in recent times.”
When asked if building additional flood retention ponds could help, Syahredzan said it might not be the most suitable solution for developed areas.
“What’s more effective in our context is regular river deepening and clearing.
“One major mitigation project which is ongoing in Bangi Lama involves the construction of retaining walls and other flood control structures.”
