Selangor: A more comprehensive and data-driven approach must be adopted to ensure flood mitigation planning in Selangor is more accurate and resilient, said Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) president S. Piarapakaran. He emphasized the necessity of using data analysis as the primary tool for evaluating the effectiveness of drainage systems and flood mitigation projects, which includes identifying both predictable and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Piarapakaran pointed out that without accurate and comprehensive data, drainage system designs fail to adapt to current environmental changes, leading to recurring flood risks despite implementing various projects. He highlighted a major weakness in the current mitigation approach, which overlooks the entire water flow system from upstream to downstream, causing solutions in one area to potentially increase risks in another. This results in locally successful projects that inadvertently shift problems to downstream areas.
Piarapakaran, who also serves as the chief executive officer of the Centre for Water and Energy Sustainability (CWES), noted the situation is worsening due to rapid development increasing paved and impermeable surfaces, which leads to higher surface run-off exceeding the capacity of existing drainage systems. He identified several flood hotspots in Selangor, such as Shah Alam, Klang, and Petaling Jaya, which are now surrounded by new developments and situated in naturally high-risk zones like floodplains, wetlands, and river estuaries.
He further explained that outdated drainage systems not upgraded alongside land-use changes contribute to the inability to manage increased water flow, especially when upstream projects direct water into main rivers. To address these issues, he proposed immediate measures such as ensuring drainage systems are not clogged, regular maintenance of retention ponds, and implementing real-time flood warning systems to mitigate impacts on residents.
In terms of long-term solutions, Piarapakaran suggested a redevelopment plan based on river basin data, which includes stricter controls on development in sensitive areas and better coordination between Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur in managing water flow. He proposed adopting the Netherlands' approach of slowing water flow and giving rivers more room, though he stressed the need to adapt this strategy to local geography and climate.
Piarapakaran also pointed out that pollution in the Klang River exacerbates flash flood risks and diminishes potential clean water sources in surrounding areas. He proposed river restoration efforts through a 'pollution reversal' strategy, although this would require significant changes to infrastructure, policy, and enforcement.
Recently, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, reiterated his advice for the state government to prioritize addressing flood problems through meticulous planning and more effective actions. He has urged the state government multiple times to consult international experts, particularly from the Netherlands, to craft the best approach to resolving the ongoing flood issue.
State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim announced that the flood issue in Selangor is expected to be resolved within the next four years through the ongoing Selangor Flood Mitigation Project. He mentioned that several river deepening works are currently underway and that comprehensive solutions to flooding require time to be fully implemented.