The cause of flash floods at Section 13, in Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 16 has been attributed to the developer’s failure to install a silt trap at its construction site.
Shah Alam mayor Dr Nor Fuad Abdul Hamid told StarMetro that Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) suspect that one pocket development near the flooded area had affected the quality of the floodwaters.
“The developer had cleared the site without installing silt traps. Usually when floods occur, the water is clear but this time it was muddy.
“MBSA visited the site the following day and issued a compound of RM250,000 to the developer,” he said after chairing the city council’s full board meeting at Wisma MBSA on Monday.
Dr Nor Fuad stated that MBSA is also investigating another site near Bukit Jelutong for a related flooding incident.
Social media was filled with photos taken by the public when floods hit Section 13.
The incident happened between 3.40pm and 4.37pm along Jalan Persiaran Sukan.
Other affected areas include the stadium roundabout heading towards the Accapela building, Jalan Surau Munawwarah, and the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf and Country Club (KGSAS) traffic lights.
Dr Nor Fuad disputed a statement in a news portal that the floods were caused by MBSA’s malfunctioning water pumps.
“The three water pumps were functioning. We suspect there were flap gate maintenance issues falling under a government agency’s jurisdiction.
“The flap gate was obstructed by trash and it was not fully closed, causing water from the river to overflow,” he explained.
He mentioned that two out of the three pumps were upgraded in May and are located near Wisma Rozali opposite the Acapella building in Section 13.
“The water pumps effectively discharged all water trapped within the stadium’s vicinity, but the water could not flow out to the river due to upstream obstructions,” he added.
Dr Nor Fuad revealed that MBSA has instructed the district-level disaster committee, headed by the Petaling District Office, to organize a flood mitigation meeting in September for the upcoming northeast monsoon.
“MBSA’s Skuad Pantas will also be on alert for any uncertainties,” he concluded. — By AIDA AHMAD
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
