I REFER to recent media reports highlighting delay in upgrading of the Kampung Bohol flood retention pond project.
The project, reportedly awarded in 2024, was scheduled for completion within five months.
It is deeply concerning that, nearly two years later, the project remains incomplete.
This delay is not merely an administrative lapse – it is a serious public safety issue.
In a city like Kuala Lumpur, which is increasingly vulnerable to downpours and flash floods, flood mitigation infrastructure such as retention ponds play a critical and non-negotiable role in safeguarding lives, property and public confidence.
Flood retention ponds are not optional amenities – they are essential infrastructure.
Any delay in their completion exposes communities to unnecessary risk, particularly during periods of intense rainfall which have become more frequent due to changing climate patterns.
In light of this, I wish to emphasise the following:
1. Immediate accountability and completion timeline
The relevant authorities and contractors must provide a clear explanation for delay in the Kampung Bohol project.
More importantly, a firm and transparent timeline must be set for its immediate completion. There must be no further excuses when public safety is at stake.
2. Mandatory gazettement of flood retention ponds
All identified and designated flood retention pond areas must be formally gazetted as protected water retention zones.
This is critical to ensure that these areas are preserved exclusively for flood mitigation.
3. Zero tolerance for encroachment, development
There must be a strict prohibition against any form of development, encroachment or land-use conversion on gazetted retention pond sites.
It is unacceptable that such critical infrastructure can be compromised by competing development interests.
Firm enforcement measures must be put in place, and any attempts to repurpose such land must be rejected outright.
4. Strengthening long-term flood mitigation planning
With increasing urbanisation and unpredictable weather patterns, the government must prioritise the expansion and maintenance of flood retention systems across the city.
This includes not only constructing new retention ponds but also ensuring existing ones are fully functional, well-maintained and legally protected.
The situation at Kampung Bohol must serve as a wake-up call.
Delays, weak enforcement and the lack of protection for flood mitigation infrastructure can have devastating consequences.
We cannot afford complacency when it comes to the safety and well-being of our communities.
I urge relevant authorities to act decisively and with urgency.
The people deserve accountability, transparency and above all, protection.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
