Selangor: Cable theft has been identified as a significant factor hindering flood management efforts in Selangor, stated state Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim. A site visit to Kampung RTB Bukit Changgang, which experienced flooding due to a breached bund, revealed that a screw pump installed five years ago failed to function as its cables were stolen, obstructing effective drainage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Izham Hashim mentioned raising the issue during a state executive council meeting and discussing it with the Selangor police chief to address cable theft cases. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) alone suffered losses amounting to RM37 million last year due to such thefts. Similar incidents have been detected by the State Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) at a project in Kuala Selangor.
The thefts have compelled the state government to allocate an additional RM200,000 to RM300,000 for repairing damages caused by stolen cables. As an initial step to combat these crimes, the state government is considering the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other security measures.
Regarding the breached bund, Datuk Izham stated that repair work is expected to take two days, with assessments indicating that the damage occurred at a vulnerable river bend. Immediate measures include backfilling the soil, installing rock revetments, and driving sheet piles into the breached section. Additionally, two portable pumps have been deployed to remove floodwaters from affected areas.
The Social Welfare Department's (JKM) InfoBencana portal reported that a temporary relief centre has been opened at Sekolah Kebangsaan RTB Bukit Changgang, accommodating 423 victims from 199 families. Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar noted an increase in evacuees to 522 individuals from 233 families. Taman Langat Utama 2 and Taman Langat Murni were among the worst-hit areas, though floodwaters showed no signs of further rising. A team of 15 officers and personnel has been deployed to the scene.
Earlier reports indicated that 32 houses in Taman Langat Utama 2, RTB Bukit Changgang, Banting, were flooded after a bund 800 meters from the residential area was breached.