Two retention ponds to be built in Taman TAR, Kg Baru Ampang
CONSTRUCTION of two retention ponds and drainage upgrading works in several areas of Ampang Jaya, Selangor, are planned as part of long-term flood mitigation efforts.
The Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) will build one retention pond in Taman Tun Abdul Razak (TAR) while Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) will construct the other in Kampung Baru Ampang.
This follows flash floods on Sept 20 which inundated several areas in the municipality, including Taman Ukay Heights.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said it was caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall, with 155mm recorded within two hours.
In Taman Ukay Heights, Sungai Kongsi Lapan exceeded its capacity and caused water to overflow into surrounding areas, particularly Jalan Chong Khoon Lin which is on lower ground close to the river.
Hasrolnizam said about 20 houses near Jalan Chong Khoon Lin and Jalan Kolam Air were affected.
“Water from the internal drainage system also could not flow into the river as it was already at full capacity,” he said after chairing the council’s full board meeting at Menara MPAJ in Ampang yesterday.
“DID has planned mitigation measures, including upgrading Sungai Kongsi Lapan and constructing a larger retention pond more than 500m from the affected area in Taman TAR,” he said, adding that about RM15mil has been allocated for the project.
Hasrolnizam said MPAJ and DID had implemented flood mitigation measures in previous years, including widening and deepening drains along Jalan Chong Khoon Lin.
“DID had raised sections of the riverbank, which had helped prevent flooding during previous episodes of heavy rain.”
MPAJ mobilised 50 staff from various departments to assist affected residents with post-flood cleanup works.
For Kampung Baru Ampang, Hasrolnizam said MPAJ would build a new retention pond at an estimated cost of RM700,000.
“The project is expected to begin towards the end of this year and take between six months and a year to complete.
“We will also improve the drainage system in the area.”
He said MPAJ had identified drainage improvements too along Jalan Pandan Indah where a main monsoon drain was unable to cope with heavy rainfall, which resulted in brief flooding near the commercial area.
“The plan is to redirect excess water through upgraded drains towards Sungai Kerayong.
“Construction is expected to start early next year and take about six months to complete.”
On another matter, he said MPAJ’s Special Revenue Squad had begun its sixth enforcement operation to recover unpaid assessment tax since the unit was established in 2023.
The squad, comprising 107 council staff, is targeting 6,200 assessment tax accounts with total arrears of RM15.6mil between May and October this year.
As of Sept 21, the municipal council had collected RM4.05mil, representing 26.18% of the outstanding amount.
Separately, those interested in trading at MPAJ Ramadan bazaars next year can submit their applications online from Oct 1 to 11, with 861 lots available across 17 locations.
Lot selection and payment will take place from Oct 26 to Nov 1, with applicants permitted to apply for only one lot at one location.
“They must submit valid Social Security Organisation contribution documents,” Hasrolnizam said. Applications can be done via MPAJ’s e-Penjaja system.
