ALL development projects in Puncak Alam will be halted to facilitate flood mitigation efforts and allow for reassessment of their environmental impact.
In a statement on Friday (Nov 6), Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision was made at the state executive council meeting.
"The heavy rain that triggered floods in several areas has inconvenienced the public, particularly those commuting to and from work, as well as parents sending and picking up their children from school.
"All criticisms directed at government agencies must be accepted openly, and our commitment to assisting those affected must be strengthened," he said.
Elaborating, Amirudin said Jalan Batu Arang in Rawang would be temporarily closed to allow the Public Works Department (JKR) to carry out repairs to a collapsed slope.
"Additionally, all flood mitigation projects across the state, particularly in areas identified as high-risk, will be expedited," he added.
To ease the burden on flood victims, Amirudin said the distribution of aid and cleanup operations in affected areas would also be expedited.
He said cash assistance amounting to RM1,500, provided by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Selangor government, would be channelled to those currently sheltering at temporary flood relief centres.
"Early warnings will also be issued to road users in high-risk areas.
"Meanwhile, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) will expedite repair and maintenance works on affected drainage systems," he said.
Amirudin had, earlier today, announced that the state government would order a review of previously approved development projects to ensure that flood mitigation systems are implemented in high-risk areas.
He said this measure is part of the state government’s efforts to reduce flood risks and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the affected areas.
“I will request a review of all approvals we have granted, including imposing a requirement for developers to construct temporary water retention facilities; we certainly do not want them to carry out the work in a shoddy or substandard manner,” he said when met after inspecting a retention pond site at the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam campus.
Several areas in Selangor were inundated after a series of thunderstorms swept through the state earlier this week.
In Paya Jaras, a road bridge along Jalan Kubu Gajah collapsed after strong currents in Sungai Subang eroded its riverbanks.
In Kampung Melayu Subang, Sungai Buloh, dozens of families were displaced by flash floods triggered by heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday.
