FLOOD hotspots in Sepang, Selangor, have decreased significantly over the years to only three locations, according to the Sepang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
Sepang DID district engineer Syamsul Zuraida @ Fadhilah Zainudin said there were 19 flood hotspots in 2022 and it dropped to 16 locations in 2023, nine in 2024 and three last year.
She said the three areas that were now on the flood hotspot list were Kampung Seri Tanjung, Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Melut and the junction between Jalan FT29 and Jalan FT32.
“Hotspots are defined as locations that have flooded at least three times in the last three years.
“While the total number of hotspots is low, 32 locations are still classified as flood-risk areas,” Syamsul Zuraida said during an interview on Radio MPSepang, the official radio station of Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang).
She said Sepang was also affected by rainwater flowing from bordering areas, including Hulu Langat and Negri Sembilan, particularly Nilai, which is located at a higher elevation.
“Sungai Langat and Sungai Labu are the main contributors to flooding in Sepang,” said Syamsul Zuraida.
“However, these issues are being addressed through the Sungai Langat Phase 1 and Phase 2 Flood Mitigation Plans that are currently underway.”
Among the contributing factors to floods in Sepang, she said, were rapid development, poor waste management, climate change and tidal influences.
Syamsul Zuraida said floods generally occurred when the intensity of rainfall exceed the capacity of rivers and drainage systems to channel water effectively.
“Rapid development is taking place in Sepang, with extensive land clearing and earthworks for development projects contributing significantly to the problem.
“Soil erosion from construction sites cause large amounts of silt and sediment to enter rivers and drains, reducing their capacity to carry water,” she said.
Construction on former agricultural land has reduced natural water absorption areas, increasing surface runoff during storms, she said, adding that drainage system was also frequently blocked by rubbish.
“While some rubbish is discarded directly into rivers, litter left on roadsides and public areas end up washed into waterways during heavy rain, causing further obstruction.”
Syamsul Zuraida said Sepang was also affected by the tidal phenomena.
During high tides, she said river water was unable to flow smoothly into the sea, leading to a build-up of water upstream and increasing the risk of flooding.
“In addition, failures or inefficiencies in water management systems, including pumps and drainage infrastructure, can worsen flood situations during periods of heavy rainfall.”
She also said that changing weather patterns had resulted in unpredictable conditions, with hot mornings often followed by afternoon downpours, increasing the likelihood of flash floods.
