A PROPOSED detention pond in Taman Rashna, Klang in Selangor, is expected to mitigate recurring flash floods affecting i-City in Section 7, Shah Alam, and the nearby Federal Highway.
Shah Alam mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar said the proposal was discussed during a multi-agency coordination meeting chaired by Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim on Tuesday.
“The primary cause is overflow from Sungai Rasah, which discharges into a drain under the Drainage and Irrigation Department’s (DID) purview, located alongside the Federal Highway, before flowing into Sungai Klang,” she said following a Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) full board meeting at Wisma MBSA.
She noted that when high tides elevated Sungai Klang’s water levels, the main drain became overwhelmed and it resulted in a backflow into surrounding low-lying areas.
Water levels typically recede within 30 minutes.
The coordination meeting included representatives from DID, Public Works Department (JKR), Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) and local industry stakeholders.
DID will oversee the construction of the detention pond, alongside works to deepen and upgrade the drainage network along the Federal Highway.
No estimate on the cost was given.
Zabidah said addressing the issue required joint agency management.
“Sungai Rasah falls under DID, Federal Highway under JKR, Taman Rashna under MBDK and i-City under MBSA,” she said.
MBSA personnel have started inspections of the city council’s drainage infrastructure, to repair damage and clear obstructions.
Zabidah added that retention ponds within i-City, maintained by the developer, have been cleared and water discharged into Sungai Rasah when full.
Flash floods inundated the area around Jalan Keluli 1C near i-City on Wednesday following heavy rainfall between noon and 1pm.
MBSA, in a statement, attributed the inundation to elevated water levels in Sungai Rasah, particularly near Tugu Keris.
DID and JKR are set to initiate follow-up measures, while MBSA will construct scupper drains, install flap gates at drain junctions and increase routine maintenance.
Zabidah said Shah Alam has about 13 flood hotspots this year, consistent with previous figures.
She said most of the hotspots were situated near rivers, including Section 13 along Sungai Klang, as well as TTDI Jaya and Kampung Melayu Subang along Sungai Damansara.
Preparatory measures for the upcoming northeast monsoon, she said, included placing MBSA’s disaster operations room and a 13-member rapid response team on 24-hour standby.
