Deputy mayor: Subang Jaya ready for monsoon season

SUBANG Jaya City Council (MBSJ) is prepared for the worst in anticipation of the north-east monsoon, according to its deputy mayor Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali. He made this statement after the launch of a flood preparedness training session held in Taman Tasik Prima, Puchong, Selangor. The training session involved 110 personnel from various agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Civil Defence Department, Serdang Police Headquarters, and Subang Jaya Police Headquarters.

Mohd Zulkurnain confirmed that the authorities will remain vigilant for any signs of impending floods until February of next year. He mentioned that participating agencies have pooled their resources, including 15 boats, and implemented flood alert systems through which information will be broadcasted to residents’ representative councils, village heads, and social media platforms.

“A total of 10 sensor stations have been established to provide warnings of possible floods in Subang Jaya, Kinrara, Seri Kembangan, and Serdang. Additionally, we have identified 25 flood and landslide hotspots and prepared 60 temporary evacuation centers (PPS),” said Mohd Zulkurnain. The council has also conducted maintenance and repairs on drainage systems and retention ponds to ensure proper water flow.

About 110 personnel took part in the programme at Taman Tasik Prima in Puchong.

“We have installed weirs in large drains to slow down the rush of water. Significant funds were allocated for flood preparation works, such as RM1.5 million at Kampung Kenangan, up to RM4 million in the IOI Mall area, and RM1.5 million at Batu 14,” he added.

Azfarizal Abdul Rashid, the MBSJ Corporate Planning and Strategic Management deputy director, emphasized the importance of following instructions during flood situations. He emphasized that early evacuation not only saves lives but also reduces property damage, especially to vehicles. Planning for flood preparedness began in November, with a workshop involving all relevant agencies. A step-by-step plan booklet has been distributed to all agencies, which includes information on command center locations, deployment of rescue teams, accommodations for flood victims, and designated parking areas to avoid water damage for affected residents.

Sariman Abdullah, the MBSJ Disaster Management Unit assistant administrative officer, mentioned that many personnel involved in flood rescue missions have valuable experience. He shared his first rescue mission at the age of 14, during which he and his father and brother safely relocated an elderly stroke patient from flooded Kampung Bukit Rambai in Melaka, his hometown.