Jalong rep: Mindset change needed on flash flood issue

FLOOD mitigation works will all be for naught if the people of Jalong in Sungai Siput, Perak, do not stop throwing waste into drains.

Jalong assemblyman Loh Sze Yee said despite millions spent on flood mitigation projects, flash floods would still continue if people did not change their mindset.

“Various types of waste, such as mattresses and a sofa set, were found clogging up a drain near a road at the Sungai Siput light industrial area,” he said during his visit to a newly repaired pumphouse at Taman Lintang Makmur.

Among the flood-prone areas in Sungai Siput were Taman Lintang Makmur, Taman Tun Sambanthan, Taman Lintang Makmur, Taman Orkid and Taman Lintang Perdana.Loh showing a Taman Lintang Makmur drain choked with waste.

Loh said Taman Muhibbah Jaya and shops near Taman Muhibbah Aman were hit by a flash flood on April 29.

The water level was about 0.3m high and a 3.5ha area was inundated.

“We found that apart from being low-lying areas, the drains at the housing area and Sungai Bemban overflowed, and water was unable to flow out to the river quickly,” he said.

Loh said recently, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had allocated about RM1.1mil for several flood mitigation projects.

This included drain upgrading works at Taman Lintang Makmur and Taman Tun Sambanthan as well as maintenance works for retention ponds at Taman Lintang Makmur and Taman Lintang Perdana.

He said the ministry had last year allocated RM1.65mil to maintain the retention ponds at Taman Muhibbah Jaya, Kampung Muhibbah Rimba Panjang and Taman Lintang Makmur.

“About RM50mil had also been approved to repair the pump-house at Taman Lintang Makmur last year.

“Sadly, the same pumphouse stopped functioning in February after its cables and wiring, which were exposed, were stolen.

“For just a few sen (so little money) by selling the copper from the cables, the thieves have caused inconvenience to the people,” Loh said, adding that the cables were replaced and covered with casing.

He said the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) had also allocated about RM800,000 to repair drains, hillslopes and roads in Sungai Siput.

He added that an Urban Stormwater Management Manual (MSMA) project costing about RM22mil in Sungai Siput was almost 90% completed.

It is expected to be completed in September.

Loh said he was mulling a campaign to catch litterbugs by rewarding those who gave information and photographs that clearly portrayed the suspects in the act.

“We really need to take stern action.

“For those who are caught, they should do some community work like sweeping the streets.

“I will try to get the municipal councillors to propose this to the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK) president,” he added.

MPKK councillor R. Gobi said most drains in the area would overflow after 15 to 30 minutes of heavy rainfall.

“We have seen some improvement after the MSMA project began, as there were less flash flood incidents.

“Water in some drains here are flowing faster now,” he said.

“We really hope the public can help maintain the cleanliness of our drains and not throw bulk waste into them,” he added.

Taman Muhibbah Jaya resident L. Sathgunalen, 48, said his house was among those affected by the recent flash flood, which damaged his belongings.

The factory worker said flash floods had been taking place in his area for more than five years, with clogged drains being the main cause.

“Loh visited us after the flash flood and we showed him where the problem lies.

“The drains were cleared the following day.

“I agree that those who litter indiscriminately need to be punished,” he added.