KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revealed that it had issued a warning to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in 2023 to strengthen monitoring and regulatory oversight of development projects located near water retention ponds in the capital.
The move, according to MACC, was aimed at ensuring contractors fully complied with all stipulated requirements and technical specifications for such developments.
MACC senior director of investigations Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar said the reminder was issued following the completion of investigations into allegations surrounding approvals for development projects near retention ponds.
However, he said the MACC found no evidence of corruption linked to the approval process.
“However, if there are any violations of conditions or developments that affect the function of water retention ponds, responsibility lies with the local authority to take action and provide explanations, as monitoring, regulatory oversight and development approvals are under DBKL’s jurisdiction,” he said in a statement.
The disclosure comes amid continued scrutiny over developments near critical flood mitigation infrastructure and concerns about their impact on drainage systems and urban flood risks in Kuala Lumpur.
Mohd Hafaz said MACC had previously investigated allegations of misconduct and abuse of power involving approvals for several projects that were said to have affected the function of retention ponds around the city.
According to him, MACC opened an investigation paper in 2022 following complaints alleging abuse of power involving several officers from DBKL and the Kuala Lumpur Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPSKL) over a period spanning 2015 to 2021.
Among the issues examined was the alleged rezoning of areas near retention ponds, including in Taman Wahyu, for development purposes.
“MACC carried out a comprehensive investigation based on documents and witness statements obtained before the investigation paper was completed in 2023 and referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP),” he said.
Mohd Hafzal added that after a detailed assessment, investigators found no elements of corruption and the case was subsequently classified as No Further Action (NFA).
Despite the closure of the case, he said preventive measures and stronger oversight remained crucial to ensure developments do not compromise the intended role of retention ponds in managing flood risks in the city. - May 15, 2026
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