FLASH floods along parts of the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) in Selangor on Wednesday were attributed to exceptionally heavy rain that overwhelmed flood mitigation systems in the area.
Highway concessionaire Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat (ALR) hoped ongoing flood mitigation works in the area could be expedited to prevent similar incidents.
In a statement, ALR said rainfall intensity reached about 101mm, exceeding the normal heavy rain threshold of 60mm.
This triggered floods near the Awan Besar Interchange and partial flooding at the Awan Besar toll plaza on May 6.
“The high water level at Sungai Kuyoh, coupled with the practically-submerged condition of the Kampung Bohol Flood Retention Pond (KTBKB) project, prevented surrounding drainage systems, including those from Kesas, from discharging excess water into the river and KTBKB.
“This caused water to overflow onto the highway carriageway, temporarily disrupting traffic heading towards Kuala Lumpur,” it said, adding that floodwaters gradually subsided and traffic conditions improved by 5pm.
ALR said several flood mitigation initiatives were currently being undertaken by the relevant authorities, including the Kampung Bohol retention pond project and the proposed Sungai Kuyoh Flood Mitigation Plan by the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
“We hope these initiatives can be expedited and effectively implemented to reduce the risk of recurring incidents in the area.
“ALR will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safety and smooth traffic flow for highway users,” it added.
Wednesday’s downpour caused flash floods and major traffic disruption across several parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, with roads inundated during peak evening traffic.
Meanwhile, residents from PPR Kampung Muhibbah, near the Kampung Bohol pond, took to social media to share images and videos showing the extent of the flooding with water reportedly rising to knee level in parts of the neighbourhood.
Photos showed drains overflowing, vehicles partially submerged and residents scrambling to move their vehicles to safer ground.
Following the latest flooding incident, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said a meeting involving the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office has been scheduled for May 12 to discuss the matter.
StarMetro had previously highlighted concerns surrounding the KTBKB project, with questions remaining over its progress and completion timeline.
