Kuala lumpur: The flood retention pond capacity in the capital is now estimated at only about 30 percent of its original size following the reduction of the Jinjang and Batu flood retention ponds due to development on 17 land lots. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh highlighted the government's serious concern over the situation, with 70 percent of the 17 land lots having been given to developers since 2015, reducing the water body capacity from its original size of 114.5 hectares.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, only 34.35 hectares of the water body remain after land ownership was granted. Hannah emphasized the concern that further development would continue to decrease the water body capacity. This was stated during a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Tower, with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain in attendance.

Hannah noted that technical assessments by the Federal Territories Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) revealed the situation has impaired the ponds' original function, complicated maintenance work and machinery access, and increased the risk of flash floods in existing developed areas. Consequently, DBKL will not approve any development applications on flood retention pond areas unless all DID conditions are met to maintain the ponds' original functionality and ensure access for maintenance.

The minister stressed the need to stop development on flood retention ponds to prevent further reduction in capacity. She also mentioned that a special task force, led by the Federal Territories Department director-general, had been established to coordinate flood mitigation efforts with relevant agencies, including the Selangor DID. This approach aims to protect the capital's flood retention pond capacity, ensure residents' safety, and sustain the urban drainage system.