Authorities are mulling plans to build an on-site detention pond along Jalan 223 in Section 51a, Petaling Jaya, as a long-term flood mitigation measure.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the proposed project involved utilising an empty plot of land, which is currently being used as a carpark, near the Selera Jaya 223 food court.
“The state government proposed the detention pond and plans are now at the proposal stage to build it below the site, with proper structural engineering and piling.
“At the state level, a proposal is being drafted to provide an additional budget for this, with the actual amount to be announced later,” he said.
Mohamad Zahri was speaking to reporters after officiating the pre-launch for the 20th anniversary of Petaling Jaya as a city, at MBPJ Civic Centre.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has lined up a calendar of events from June 16 to 21 to mark two decades since Petaling Jaya became a city on June 20, 2006.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ has engaged with the Jalan 223 traders’ association to brief them on short- , medium- and long-term flood mitigation projects.
These projects involve joint efforts by both the Selangor and federal Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
Mohamad Zahri said Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim visited the site and a subsequent coordination meeting was held to address the city’s urgent flood agenda.
He also said that MBPJ had installed sensors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras inside the drainage network.
“If the water in the drain reaches a critical level, the sensor will trigger a warning siren at the food court, alerting traders to move and save their stocks.”
Mohamad Zahri added that MBPJ would also deploy teams to help with any post-flood cleanup.
The structural interventions have come about after StarMetro’s May 8 report on how traders at Selera Jaya 223 food court were hit by flash floods twice in two weeks.
The floodwaters submerged 60 stalls under 1.2m of water, causing thousands of ringgit in losses.
On May 12, it was 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.
