Persistent flash floods across Petaling Jaya highlight shortcomings under the Pakatan Harapan administration, which has held power in Selangor for over 18 years.
Local micro-traders such as those at Medan Selera Jaya 223 in Petaling Jaya continue to bear the brunt, incurring losses up to RM2,000 per flood event from ruined equipment, spoiled stock, and forced closures.
Selangor MCA Youth notes the rollout of the RM40.5mil flood mitigation plan comprising 39 key projects, including high- capacity drainage upgrades in Kampung Chempaka and PJU 1/4, as well as flap gates at Section 51A and the FAS Tunnel near Jalan PJU 1A/4F.
The plan also includes a 3,200 cubic metre underground detention facility near Medan Selera Jaya 223.
However, these promises scheduled for completion in February 2027 do not offer immediate protection.
Elected representatives, be they Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, state assemblymen Rajiv Rishyakaran, Lim Yi Wei, and Jamaliah Jamaluddin, together with appointed city councillors cannot shield behind technical explanations regarding downpours of between 65mm and 104mm that caused Sungai Penchala and Sungai Klang to burst their banks.
Residents are demanding outcomes, not excuses.
Selangor MCA Youth is urging local authorities to execute the following key measures:
1. Immediate interim protection: Deploying additional Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) workers to desilt drains, clear waste, and set up temporary mobile pumps at hotspots.
2. Accelerated river maintenance: Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and MBPJ must prioritise desilting along Sungai Penchala and Sungai Klang to improve river discharge capacities.
3. Joint command mechanism and KPIs: Establish a single MBPJ-DID joint command structure to eliminate inter-agency pass-the-buck practices, supported by publicised contractor KPIs and maintenance schedules.
4. Engineering audits and enforcement: Conduct independent audits on flood hotspots, while enforcing laws against permanently covered drains hindering routine maintenance.
5. Frontline support and community action: Fairly compensate and equip sanitation workers, while increasing awareness on illegal dumping into waterways.
Eighteen years is more than sufficient to demonstrate competent urban management.
The onus is on the Pakatan government to serve residents and traders with decisive execution, rigorous monitoring of project timelines, and proactive maintenance to permanently resolve the city’s flood crises.
TAN JIE SEN
Selangor MCA Youth Chief
