HAVING its quick-response team on standby and implementing “quick-win” flood mitigation projects by April 2027 are among the measures undertaken by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) ahead of the northeast monsoon season.
“We have our Skuad Pantas (Quick Response Team) personnel, equipment and vehicles on standby for floods and any other potential emergencies or disasters,” said Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi.
“We have sufficient manpower at the MBPJ level, as Skuad Pantas is backed by our enforcement officers where necessary.
“We also work closely with other government agencies such as the police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force.”
He said MBPJ has identified several flood-prone hotspots and undertaken measures such as clearing drains and installing flood warning sirens as preventive measures and for public awareness.
Some of the hotspots include the Gerai Selera Jaya 223 food court in Section 51A, the FAS Tunnel at Jalan PJU 1A/4F and parts of Ara Damansara.
Mohd Yazid was speaking after handing over cash contributions totalling RM30,000 to 100 Indian families from B40 communities in conjunction with Deepavali.
The recipients, who comprised single mothers, senior citizens, families with disabled children and families with many dependants, each received RM300 to assist with their festive preparations.
They were identified through the Federal Government’s eKasih database and MBPJ’s Urban Poverty Eradication Programme.
Mohd Yazid said the festive contribution programme was also held during other key festivals such as Christmas, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.
“This programme is in line with MBPJ’s ongoing commitment to care for the community’s welfare, especially the urban poor who are burdened by the increasing cost of living.
“We hope this contribution will ease the financial burden during their Deepavali preparation, and bring joy as they celebrate with their loved ones.”
Also present at the event held at Arena Sports Complex Petaling Jaya were MBPJ deputy secretary (Management) Mohd Fauzi Maarop and MBPJ councillors Kusaaliny Mahendran, Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah and Nurashikin Ali.
“I’m heading off to shop for my Deepavali essentials now,” said aid recipient M. Vasantha Devi, a resident of Desa Mentari.
“I will use the money to buy muruku flour, curry powder and other ingredients I need for my festive dishes and snacks,” said the 52-year-old housewife, adding that any remaining funds would go to the purchase of new clothes.
Vasantha Devi said her family relied primarily on a monthly RM1,600 Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) aid to get by, as her husband was unable to continue his lorry driving job due to medical complications such as visual impairment and diabetes.
