Flash flooding following the Feb 25 thunderstorm has sparked concerns over Petaling Jaya’s infrastructure, particularly in areas with ongoing construction.
These incidents have raised questions about whether the city’s existing systems can cope with further development proposed by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) under the Petaling Jaya Local Plan (RTPJ) 2035 (Replacement).
Project signboards across the city indicate multiple works and developments are underway.
Flooding affecting roads used daily by surrounding neighbourhoods and school communities highlights existing pressures on drainage capacity, traffic flow, safety and access.
Flooding disrupts daily life, creating safety hazards for pedestrians and motorists.
This may also impede emergency access.
Such incidents raise broader questions about resilience, environmental management and the ability of urban infrastructure to support additional density.
The RTPJ 2035 (Replacement) will guide land use and development across Petaling Jaya for the next 10 to 20 years.
With the city largely built up and its population set to exceed one million by 2035, most new growth will involve redeveloping existing neighbourhoods into higher-density areas.
Once the proposed local plan is adopted, developments that comply with it may proceed, making public review of the plan at this stage especially important.
Residents are encouraged to examine RTPJ 2035 (Replacement) once it is released and to participate in the formal feedback process.
In addition to technical inputs already incorporated, meaningful progress will depend on inclusive engagement facilitated by MBPJ, bringing together local knowledge, multidisciplinary expertise and on-the-ground experience.
This will help ensure that future development aligns with infrastructure capacity, environmental resilience, safety and liveability in support of Petaling Jaya’s vision as a child-friendly, sustainable and liveable city.
PJ SEJAHTERA and PERSATUAN PETALING JAYA LESTARI
