RESIDENTS along Lebuh Kledang Utara at Taman Arkid in Ipoh, Perak, are entering their 10th year facing flash floods.
The chronic flooding affecting terrace homes along Lorong 6 to 16 in the Jelapang constituency, has been exacerbated by an inadequate drainage system and uncollected debris from recent tree-cutting works.
Long-time resident Chung Moi, 71, said her home has been inundated five times over the past seven years.
“Sometimes the dirty water also overflows through toilet outlets,” she said.
Rosalind Ambrose, 54, said local drains routinely overflow during downpours.
Despite lodging repeated complaints over the years, residents say no permanent solution has been delivered.
“With the current rainy season, the situation remains a concern,” she said, adding that the main road in the housing area flooded a few days ago.
Wong Chee Heng, 67, said soil settlement within the stormwater drain was the main culprit, arguing that the channel needs widening and concrete reinforcement.
“To protect my home from incoming floodwaters, I have installed an aluminium flood barrier at the entrance,” he said.
The community’s plight was raised in Parliament in 2020, yet six years on, no structural resolution has materialised.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) Batu Gajah parliamentary coordinator K. Kunasekaran, who is aiding the residents, said formal complaints were submitted on Oct 26 to Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah and Perak Public Works Department (JKR) director Zamri Mat Kasim.
They urged Ipoh City Council (MBI) to clear the accumulated timber and soil obstructing water flow, audit the local drainage network, and collaborate with JKR on long-term upgrades.
Acknowledging the grievances, Jelapang assemblyman Cheah Pou Hian confirmed he has engaged with MBI on the matter.
“I have contacted the council’s Public Works Department to discuss follow-up action, including holding a meeting to find solutions and arrange repairs to the affected drains.
“I also contacted MBI’s Landscape Department and the contractor has been told to carry out cleaning works in the area, including clearing the tree-trimming debris.”
