PETALING JAYA: Ongoing river upgrading works at Sungai Penchala contributed to the recent flash floods near Jalan 223.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said temporary sheet piles created a bottleneck in the river flow, causing it to overflow its banks.
He said floods hit during the inter-monsoon season as rainfall topped 60mm while contractors appointed under the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) were actively conducting riverbank upgrades.
“The sheet piles were installed in the middle of the river as part of the riverbank strengthening process.
“When heavy rain occurred, it caused a bottleneck in the river flow, causing water levels to rise quickly,” he told StarMetro after launching the graduation ceremony for MBPJ Enforcement Squad 126 at the MBPJ Civic Hall parking compound today (May 13).
Mohamad Zahri said the project, including contractor appointments and any enforcement action, fell under the Federal Government through DID.
When asked whether the contractor would face penalties, he said the matter would be determined by DID, adding that discussions had already been held with the contractor to ensure the incident would not recur.
He said normal river flow was expected to resume once the riverbank strengthening works were completed and the temporary sheet piles removed.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ was working closely with DID at both district and Selangor state levels to speed up flood mitigation efforts in the area.
Among the immediate mitigation measures implemented was directing contractors to raise a temporary structure across a low-level drain after it was found to obstruct water flow.
He noted that the overall river upgrading project would take time, with some phases expected to continue for up to two years, although detailed timelines were not immediately available.
On rent waivers for traders affected by the floods near Jalan 223, Mohamad Zahri said exemptions granted for May and June were based on engagements with residents and support from councillors.
“If the situation continues beyond June, further consideration can be made depending on circumstances at that time,” he said.
On May 8, StarMetro reported that traders at Selera Jaya 223 food court in Section 51A were hit by flash floods twice within two weeks, submerging about 60 stalls under 1.2m of water and causing thousands of ringgit in losses.
On May 12, StarMetro also reported that MBPJ would order the removal of illegal drain covers near Jalan 223 following complaints that they obstructed water flow and worsened flash flooding in the area.
