Health risks rise as filth accumulates at several popular food havens in Selangor
Filthy drains have become a major turn-off for patrons in popular commercial hubs across Selangor, with unbearable odours and rodent infestations threatening to mar the reputation of established eating places.
A recent check by StarMetro at selected business districts in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Kajang found many drains choked with stagnant oil and grime.
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Stakeholders say improving the cleanliness of these areas is vital to boost the image of these bustling hubs and maintain customer confidence.
SS15’s greasy battle
In Subang Jaya, the SS15 business area is popular for its numerous eateries, but its drain cleanliness leaves much to be desired.
Datuk Samson David Maman, a print shop owner in the area since the 1980s, said the infrastructure dated back to the late 1970s.
Over the decades, the drains had deteriorated due to the elements and heavy usage, he said.
He added that many businesses had renovated their premises over the years, with some even building permanent structures over the drains.
“In the early 2000s, drain covers were removed for thorough cleaning.
“However, some of these drains have been left open ever since.
“In areas such as Jalan SS15/4 and SS15/4B, the main drains remain exposed and need covering,” Samson said.
He added that cleaning must be carried out more thoroughly.
Samson noted that Subang Jaya had attained city status and its cleanliness standards should reflect that.
He said the rodent issue, closely linked to poor hygiene, must be tackled at source.
“Councillors are doing their part and there are initiatives to trap rodents, but the root of the problem is the level of cleanliness,” he said.
Samson urged Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) to be more proactive in inspecting drains and issuing summonses to errant business owners.
“At the moment, the city council inspects inside premises and issues summonses if rodents are found.
“They must also ensure that common drains are kept clean.”
He added that the city council had allocations for pest control and should actively implement initiatives to keep restaurant areas free of rodents.
Similarly, StarMetro observed that drain cleanliness at popular food destinations such as Pusat Bandar Puchong and USJ 2 was below par.
When contacted, MBSJ councillor Ken Chia said the back alley of Jalan SS15/4D was repaired in 2022.
He said MBSJ had issued notices to businesses last month to remove gas cylinders and other obstructions from drain covers by the end of April.
“After that, we will remove the drain covers and use water jets to clean the drains.
“We can then evaluate the exact condition of the drains.”
Chia said repairing back alley drains at Jalan SS15/4E and SS15/4C was estimated to cost about RM300,000, while additional works at Jalan SS15/4B and SS15/4C would cost RM500,000.
Upgrading of drains at Jalan SS15/4 and Jalan SS15/4B was expected to cost RM600,000, he said, adding that he would continue to push for budget allocation for these works in the coming years.
Chia said the area had changed significantly over the years.
Some shops, he said, had turned back alleys into their main business access point.
“These lanes were never designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as they were originally intended to function only as back alleys.
“There was also a linear park here before the business area developed,” he said.
SS2 rats and residue
The SS2 food haven in Petaling Jaya faces similar woes.
Despite its popularity as a late-night dining destination, back-alley drains are frequently found with floating layers of oil – likely the result of faulty or missing grease traps in restaurant kitchens.
During a visit, StarMetro observed several dead rats, while live ones scurried through the shadows.
Walkways in the area are also uneven due to uncoordinated renovations, resulting in inconsistent drain coverage and frequent clogging.
Area councillor Loh Y Lun said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) was monitoring the situation and had taken steps to curb the rat population.
“The problem is currently at a moderate level.
“We previously deployed some 100 traps and caught many rats.
“We have since reduced the number of traps, but remain vigilant,” he said.
Loh admitted that maintaining the drains was a challenge due to the area’s age.
“Most drains are covered with concrete slabs and some businesses had installed pipes inside drains, making cleaning difficult.
“They should be fitted with removable grilles instead to allow thorough maintenance,” he said, citing Damansara Utama as a model for better design with its access hatches.
He added that making back alleys more accessible as walkways or parking areas could encourage better upkeep.
“There should be no cooking in back alleys. When these areas are more accessible to the public, people are more likely to lodge complaints.
“This will prompt the authorities to take action and encourage business owners to keep their premises clean,” said Loh.
He added that MBPJ relied on public complaints to take enforcement action.
“Three to four restaurants in SS2 are closed every month for cleanliness violations,” he said, urging the public to lodge complaints on dirty areas.
Loh said there were plans to refit pipes, improve drain coverage and create parking spaces in SS2 back alleys, subject to budget availability.
Sedimentation in Kajang
The situation appears most dire under Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), specifically in Bandar Sungai Long and Bandar Mahkota Cheras.
Kajang assemblyman David Cheong said some drains in these areas had not been cleaned in years, largely because they were obstructed by illegal extensions or permanent metal sheets.
He said MPKj must share the blame for failing to act against these violations.
“Based on the level of sedimentation, it appears the drains have not been cleaned in years.
“A thick layer of sludge has built up in the drains, emitting a constant foul odour.
“People here have grown accustomed to the stench and simply tolerate it,” he said during a site visit earlier this year to Bandar Sungai Long, where contractors were seen struggling to remove sludge from the drains.
Cheong told StarMetro that said similar conditions were found in Bandar Mahkota Cheras.
“Not only were the drains not cleaned, but people were also dumping rubbish into them, filling them to the brim.”
He further alleged that contractors had been receiving full payment despite failing to carry out proper cleaning.
“Taxpayers’ money is being used for services that are not delivered due to the council’s negligence,” he said.
“It is embarrassing to see the drains in such a state,” said Cheong, questioning how such oversight on the part of the local authority was allowed to occur following recent assessment tax hikes.
He also called for an investigation into those responsible for supervising cleaning operations.
MPKj did not respond to requests for comments as at press time.
