Kuala Lumpur: The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) has allocated RM150 million for the Setia Alam Flood Mitigation Plan to address the frequent flash floods in the Setia Alam area since 2021. State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the flood mitigation project will involve Sungai Binjai and Sungai Puloh, which is expected to benefit more than 200,000 residents in the Setia Alam area, who have often fallen victim to flash floods, even outside the monsoon transition seasons.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Najwan highlighted that climate change has led to more frequent and unpredictable flash floods. He emphasized that while development might be a contributing factor, it is crucial not to solely blame development and the environment. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate these issues, and the flood mitigation plan is a step in that direction.

Mohd Najwan, who also serves as the Kota Anggerik assemblyman, stated that MBSA has pinpointed several high-risk areas involving public utilities and developments that will require cooperation from various parties. He noted that flash floods typically occur in regions with water retention problems, which struggle to handle large volumes of water. To address this, the council is considering constructing sustainable drainage systems and expanding water retention ponds.

The proposed approach includes elements such as natural water absorption, preserving green spaces, and integrating modern technology in water management. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance the area’s resilience to flash floods and protect the community from their adverse effects.