Shah Alam: The Selangor government has announced plans to expedite 17 critical projects aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of flash floods in the administrative area of the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK). These projects will target 13 identified hotspots, including Meru and Pandamaran, focusing on infrastructure improvements to mitigate flooding.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Infrastructure and Agriculture Exco Datuk Izham Hashim stated that the projects will involve drain widening, culvert installations for waterways, and the upgrading of bridges in village areas. The initiative, which includes pocket development, will begin as early as this week, with completion expected by October, supported by an estimated RM3 million budget.

The projects will be presented at the Selangor Economic Action Meeting (MTES) within two weeks, as some are aligned with state government policies. Datuk Izham made these remarks after leading a meeting to discuss infrastructure progress for MBDK’s managed areas at the MBDK Headquarters.

The Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) will coordinate the implementation of these projects, in collaboration with MBDK and the Public Works Department (PWD). The state government aims to reduce the frequency of flash floods while awaiting the full completion of the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) in the Klang area.

In addition to these immediate measures, 15 medium- and long-term flood mitigation projects involving federal government funding of nearly RM45 million are also underway. Datuk Izham also noted that over 300 unmanned catchment ponds have been identified as contributing factors to flooding due to inadequate maintenance. DID is in the process of assuming control of these ponds, with approximately 55 already under their management.