PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) needs more funds for drainage and infrastructure repairs in the city and has highlighted its request to the Selangor government.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the city council presented its request verbally to state infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim during the latter’s visit to MBPJ headquarters.
“Izham listened to our challenges and flood mitigation plans during his visit.
“MBPJ is the seventh local authority in Selangor that he has visited this year.
“We must now detail what we need in writing and submit the paperwork to Izham’s office,” he said after chairing MBPJ’s October full board meeting.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ was told that the flood mitigation needs at other local authorities such as Klang Royal City Council and Shah Alam City Council were more urgent.
He said Izham, however, took note of MBPJ’s concerns.
Mohamad Zahri said this in response to StarMetro’s Oct 9 report about a road in Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, that frequently flooded due to a faulty underground drainage system.
The road was covered in sediment with strong stench emanated from stagnant water left pooling on its surface.
On disaster management operations in view of the north-east monsoon season expected to begin this month, Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ has mobilised its 31 quick response team (Skuad Pantas) officers.
Among measures activated or enhanced, he said, were disaster operations room, closed-circuit television (CCTV) to monitor disaster hotspots as well as ensuring its emergency response vehicles and other logistical assets were on standby.
“The city council has also designated 23 community halls as temporary relief centres and will work closely with other agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department through training and preparation programmes.”
Those needing assistance can call MBPJ’s disaster operations room at 03-7957 4113/ 03-7954 2020.
