Floods triggered by high tides, monsoon threaten Klang’s low-lying areas

KLANG – The monsoon season, along with the high tide phenomenon, has exacerbated flooding incidents in the coastal town of Klang, Selangor, with a key economic area being severely affected.

There is constant flooding at Jalan Syahbandar and its surrounding area, including the Southport Passenger Jetty and the Asa Niaga Harbour City (ANHC) located on the same road, incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago told The Vibes during a recent early morning visit to flood-prone areas in the constituency.

At the ANHC, a significant part of the parking lot located near the pier was completely submerged at sea level and is believed to have been damaged due to the constant flooding.

Similarly, roads connected to Jalan Syahbandar leading to the KTM Port Klang station are also affected by the high tide phenomenon.

Checks during The Vibes’ visit recently found that the road was heavily flooded when it had rained as early as 6.30am.

Cars trying to traverse the road were either forced to turn back or risk driving through floodwaters to get to the Southport Passenger Terminal or to drop off passengers at the KTM station.

The Vibes also spotted a patrol by Fire and Rescue Department personnel observing the situation, ensuring that the flooding remains under control.

Similarly, a vehicle from the Klang Municipal Council’s Swift Action Task Force was also spotted patrolling the area to respond to possible crises stemming from the floods.

For further context, flooding in the area would also affect jetties at both passenger terminals, according to Charles Santiago, the MP for Klang until Parliament’s dissolution earlier this month.

Speaking to The Vibes, Santiago said passengers would not be able to dock safely at these jetties if water levels are dangerously high leading to flooding nearby.

While some would argue that the problem is still manageable, Santiago pointed out this could severely impact the local economy as people would look to avoid using these ferry services to travel to their intended destination.

“It is not a minute problem as it involves safety concerns as well as a severe impact on the local economy of Klang,”' he said.

The Southport Passenger Terminal, simply known as the Pulau Ketam Public Jetty, serves the travel needs of daily ferry commuters and tourists between the mainland and Pulau Ketam.

Compared to ANHC, it is a regional passenger ferry terminal that serves high-speed passenger ferries plying between Port Klang and the ports of Dumai and Tg Balai in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Checks done by The Vibes show that the public jetty was still operational. However, ANHC has seen better days, as the regional ferry terminal is largely silent and devoid of any travel activities.

Santiago explained that the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown severely impacted ANHC’s operations on top of the flooding from the high tides and the monsoon season.

What can be done?

For Santiago, both the state and the federal government must view the matter seriously and devise a comprehensive plan to address the matter.

While irrigation and drainage are seen as the quick-fire solution to the issue, at least within the vicinity of the two jetties, Santiago pointed out that flooding from the high tide is a common occurrence for residential areas and settlements close to the sea.

“Drainage and irrigation seem the most obvious answer, but this will keep happening if there isn’t a thorough solution to the matter.

“While the impact of the high tides seems to be under control in these locations, there are many cases of settlements located near the sea that would face severe flooding, even to the extent of disrupting livelihoods and even risking their lives.

“Both the state and federal government must work together, talk to each other on this matter as it needs proper expertise and funding to resolve this issue,” he said.

Previously, Klang Municipal Council president Noraini Roslan had on September 30 issued a warning for Klang residents residing near rivers to be on alert for floods due to the continuous rainy season and high tide phenomenon.

Noraini said the high tide phenomenon, especially in October, could see waters rising as high as 5.5m.

She said high tides with continuous rain could cost flooding in low-lying areas.

Similarly, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) had also issued a warning last week for residents to brace themselves for the high tide phenomenon predicted in several areas until October 13.

Referring to data from the National Hydrographic Centre, Nadma predicted the areas involved would include Kuala Muda in Kedah, Bagan Datuk (Perak), Port Klang, as well as Batu Pahat and Pontian in Johor. – The Vibes, October 16, 2022