HOMEOWNERS in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, will be required to demolish any illegally covered drains as part of efforts to address flash floods in the city.
Mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon (pic) said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) would send out notices soon.
“Some houses have covered their drains. We are concerned there may be unseen obstructions underneath that disrupt the water flow.
“Our drains are unable to cope with water volume if rainfall exceeds 60mm for more than an hour.”
He was responding to reports of flash floods in several parts of Petaling Jaya earlier this month following afternoon downpours.
Among the worst-hit areas was the food court in Jalan 223, Section 51A, where 60 stalls were inundated twice in two weeks.
MBPJ announced a rental waiver for May and June to help the affected traders there.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ has held engagement sessions with the traders to discuss possible solutions.
“They were given the option to relocate, but chose to remain because the area is popular.
“We have installed closed-circuit TV cameras and sirens to warn them ahead of potential flooding.”
Mohamad Zahri attributed flooding in the area to ongoing riverbank upgrading works at Sungai Penchala behind the premises.
The project, he said, had temporarily narrowed the waterway, causing river levels to rise more quickly.
“Once the works are completed, the river will be wider and able to accommodate more water,” he told reporters after launching a community toy library at Desa Mutiara Apartment in Jalan PJU 7/1B, Mutiara Damansara.
Built by MBPJ, the facility is the fifth toy library in Petaling Jaya, with three more currently being planned.
Each library costs about RM45,000 and is managed by a third party appointed by MBPJ to open daily from 8am to 10pm.
Mohamad Zahri said local communities, especially children, were roped in during the planning process.
He said this was in line with Unicef guidelines requiring children and communities to be involved in development planning.
“MBPJ could proceed with building a toy library, but we want input from all parties involved. We also welcome donations of books and toys from the public and private sector.”
