Taman Sri Muda’s clogged drains not our fault: S’gor drainage dept

KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has assured that its pump systems and water gates are in top working condition as Taman Sri Muda residents partly relived the horror of the massive floods recently.

Speaking to The Vibes, its Klang district engineer Ganesan Balakrishnan said the DID will be consistently improving its systems in the Section 25 housing area and ensuring that they are operating at their maximum levels.

“The upgrading of the main drain system in the area has already begun. We will also ensure that the pump system and water gates are operating at their maximum levels.

“A development project is also ongoing where we are adding more pumps in the area.”

On Monday afternoon, steady rainfall resulted in another flash flood in the disaster-struck area.

Bringing attention to the situation, several netizens shared videos and images of water rising to ankle level outside Valencia Apartments along Jalan Tokoh 25/8.

Commenting on the flash floods that hit Taman Sri Muda a couple of days ago, Ganesan insisted that the DID is not to blame as the incident was caused by rubbish in the secondary drainage system, especially in Jalan Tokoh, which has clogged up the drainage outlets.

“The rubbish was not found in the main drain, but in the secondary drains. Since the water could not travel to the main drainage, the water level rose and subsequently overflowed.

“During the flash floods, there was no issue with the main drains, pumps, or tidal gates. The main drain did not overflow.”

While saying that the issue of clogged garbage in the drains has nothing to do with DID, he opined that it is within the ambit of the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

However, when contacted by The Vibes, MBSA Corporate and Public Relations Division head Shahrin Ahmad said the drainage system in housing areas is under the purview of KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd.

“Drains in housing areas are under KDEB Waste. We are monitoring and making checks on the situation. As for MBSA, we are working closely with the Meteorological Department so we are always on the alert.”

The Vibes is in the midst of contacting KDEB Waste Management for comments. – The Vibes, January 27, 2022