Selangor’s bunds to be raised an extra 1.2m to 1.5m, says exco

THE coastal bunds stretching an estimated 200km from the border of Sabak Bernam to Teluk Panglima Garang in Kuala Langat will be raised by an extra 1.2m to 1.5m to prevent over-topping associated with wave run-up during the high tide phenomenon.

Bunds along certain parts of the coastal areas of Selangor differ in height from 3.5m to 4m.

State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim told StarMetro that the Selangor government had allocated an estimated RM48mil under phase one to increase the height of existing bunds along coastal areas to curb overtopping.

“Bunds that are not at the required height will be raised. Eroded bunds will be repaired to withstand the high-tide waters.

“We would also raise 700km of river bunds. Under phase one, bunds would be raised based on critical stretches in Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Kapar, Klang, Port Klang and Kuala Langat,” he said after the Selangor State Assembly, earlier in the day.

“The DID (Drainage and Irrigation Department) does maintain the bunds as preparation for high-tide flood,” he said.

Izham added maintenance of borrow pit which was placed after the bunds would be carried out.

“When water overflow from the bunds, the borrow pit will contain it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Izham said the coastal stretch of Port Klang would be on alert as high tides were expected next week.

“Tides of up to 5.6m are expected at 7.16pm on Monday (March 11), 5.6m high at 7.51pm on March 12 and 5.5m at 8.23pm on March 13, with a possibility of flash floods if it coincides with heavy rain during that time,” added Izham.

The National Hydrographic Centre in Port Klang said the high tide phenomenon was forecasted for evening during the three days.

Izham said flooding could occur if there is continuous rain coinciding with the high tide.

“For those living near rivers and coastal areas need to be vigilant, especially if it rained continuously. The hydrographic centre forecasted that the high tide level should not breach the bunds.

“If water goes over them, it may just flow into the borrow pits,” he said.

Port Klang Fire and Rescue Department headquarters had three stations —at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Taman Seri Andalas and Sungai Pinang in Jalan Kapar said they would be prepared for any emergency.

Klang Royal City Council’s (MBDK) Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) has been asked to watch out for bund breaches or heavy flow in rivers and canals at areas that faced floods during previous high tides.

MBDK will liaise with the Fire and Rescue Services Department as well as the Civil Defence Department to activate rescue missions.

Port Klang assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri encouraged residents to fill an emergency bag with documents and essential items like mineral water, medical kit and clothes in case of flash floods.