SHAH ALAM, Aug 4 - Sime Darby Property has been urged to immediately deepen drains around its housing project in Meru to prevent flooding, said Meru assemblyman Mariam Abdul Rashid.
She said this is as the project has heavily affected Taman Meru 4 residents, who have suffered losses due to damage to their furniture and belongings in recurrent floods.
“These residents’ homes aren’t in an area that frequently floods, but because of the nearby development, their houses are being flooded and this has happened several times.
“Our initial action is to ask Sime Darby to deepen drains and backfills in its project area. This is to ensure water doesn’t overflow into the residential area,” she added after a site visit to Taman Meru 4 in Klang today.
Mariam said the authorities would monitor the West Coast Expressway’s (WCE) drainage system as it is also believed to be causing the floods.
“It is understood that water from those drains are being pushed to this area and causing water to rise. This is among long-term efforts, in addition to the Public Works Department (JKR) applying for immediate allocations for drain maintenance,” she explained.
Meanwhile, she said each victim who registers at temporary relief centres (PPS) will receive RM500, while those who remain at home during floods will receive RM250.
“Affected residents must fill up forms and receive confirmation (to get financial aid). I will try talking to the menteri besar (Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari) to ensure aid is channelled immediately.
“Developers must also be responsible. I will discuss (with Sime Darby Property) so it gives compensation or pays damages (to residents) seeing as residents’ furniture and belongings were ruined,” she added.
Previously, media reports said Taman Meru 4 flooded when heavy rain over two hours caused water to rise, as the storm drain in the area overflowed.