SHAH ALAM, May 7 - The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) have installed flood mitigation infrastructure, including barriers in critical areas along Sungai Penchala, as a long-term effort to prevent recurrent floods.
MBPJ said that among other initiatives are the innovation of drainage systems with the River Overflow Control System (SKaLIS) at every main drain outlet and the installation of flapgates on smaller outlets of Sungai Klang.
“(With SKaLIS), water at each (location) isn’t channelled directly into the river,” it said in a statement.
MBPJ said it takes flash floods seriously, as they affected several areas under its jurisdiction during yesterday’s downpour.
Checks found that the floods resulted from heavy rain in upstream Kuala Lumpur with readings of more than 60mm in a short period, which is classified as very heavy rain.
“This situation caused Sungai Penchala to fail to contain the extraordinary water flow, compounded by the backflow phenomenon from Sungai Klang which is at maximum capacity, jeopardising the urban drainage system’s capability,” it added.
MBPJ said affected areas, including the entire Sungai Penchala corridor in Section 51, 17 and 19 and areas near Sungai Klang involving Taman Medan, Sri Manja and Buana Perdana.
After the incident, a PANTAS squad was mobilised to control traffic and close critical roads for public safety.
In the post-flood phase, cleanup efforts were implemented by KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd, under MBPJ’s supervision.
MBPJ said it has also improved its communication system by setting up a WhatsApp channel with local communities, including Jalan 223 traders’ representatives, to share information on Sungai Penchala water levels in real time.
It also advised the public to be aware of weather warnings and follow authorities’ orders.
Yesterday, MBPJ said there were flash floods, fallen trees, and landslides in several areas due to continuous heavy rain around the city, but waters in all locations had receded by 8.43pm.