Selangor to be ‘more aggressive' in tackling floods

Residents of Kampung Padang Jawa, in Klang, Selangor were affected by flash floods that struck the districts of Petaling, Klang, Sepang, Hulu Langat and Gombak last month. (Bernama pic)
SABAK BERNAM : The unplanned construction of houses and village developments is among the critical challenges faced by the Selangor government in tackling flood problems, according to executive councillor Izham Hashim.
He said recent data indicated several villages urgently need flood mitigation measures. 'The state government will take a more aggressive approach. We will proceed with building major drains or water gates if there are no other options,' he said.
Izham Hashim.
'We cannot hesitate in making decisions that help people deal with this problem. We cannot wait any longer because the people are suffering severe consequences, made worse by increasingly unpredictable weather patterns,' he told reporters here today.
Izham said he would also visit several flood-prone hotspots in Klang on Monday to get a clearer picture of the flood mitigation plans. The visit would involve various related agencies, including the public works department, drainage and irrigation department, and the local authorities.
'While major projects are being completed, I'll go to the ground and check each site before coordinating and implementing early action,' he added.
On April 24, the state government approved 11 urgent flood mitigation measures in critical areas statewide, including Taman Sri Muda, Meru and Taman Seri Alam, which frequently experience flooding.

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