RESIDENTS of Taman Kayu Ara Indah in Petaling Jaya whose homes sit precariously along the banks of Sungai Kayu Ara may soon see relief.
Following reports of severe soil erosion at Lorong 7a, Damansara MP and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo made an emergency site visit yesterday to address the community’s growing fears.
Gobind, accompanied by representatives from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and LRT3 project team, was briefed on the situation where residents fear the bank may give way and claim properties located along the embankment.
Following an initial assessment on May 6, Gobind directed all relevant agencies to expedite their findings.
“Hopefully, the meeting between all relevant parties will take place soon. I want to see this issue resolved within two weeks,” he said.
Taman Kayu Ara Indah residents have been taking turns to keep watch overnight on the river after recent downpours caused flash floods in the city.
Gobind said any intervention must be both technically sound and legally compliant.
“I view this problem seriously because the residents’ safety is of paramount importance.”
Explaining the technical causes, Petaling DID district engineer Maimunah Abu Hassan Ashaari said a massive volume of water surged through the area following a recorded 60mm of rainfall.
“Given that water flowing past this stretch has come from as far away as Taman Tun Dr Ismail, one can just imagine the sheer volume,” she said.
Maimunah said while the erosion was severe, the situation could have been much worse if not for the natural curve of the river and presence of rocks helping reduce water velocity.
The department is now waiting for the turnkey contractor, Setia Utama LRT 3 Sdn Bhd, to propose a formal method to strengthen the slope.
To manage immediate risks, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara village head Ramli Daud confirmed that Lorong 7a would be closed to traffic to ensure public safety.
He also advised residents not to encroach into the river reserve, a concern raised after previous inspections discovered gardening and chicken rearing activities, which could further compromise stability of the riverbank.
Residents fear erosion may cause the Sg Kayu Ara bank to give way and affect properties located along the water’s edge.
Gobind has asked agencies to expedite their findings.
Maimunah: DID awaiting proposal on strengthening slope.
Ramli says Lorong 7a is closed to traffic to maintain safety.
