Petaling Jaya Flash Floods Trigger Fresh Review of Drainage System as Selangor Eyes Long-Term Solutions
KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor government has launched a comprehensive review of drainage infrastructure in Petaling Jaya after flash floods swept through several parts of the city over the weekend, with preliminary findings suggesting that a combination of intense rainfall and localised urban conditions overwhelmed existing flood mitigation systems.
Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the heavy downpour on Saturday delivered an unusually high volume of rain within a short period, exceeding the capacity of drains and waterways in several flood-prone locations.
While acknowledging that flood mitigation projects, including the Flood Alleviation System (FAS) Tunnel, have been implemented over the years, Izham said initial assessments indicate that local factors also played a significant role in the flooding.
According to him, narrowed drainage channels, obstructions that restrict water flow and the growing number of paved and built-up surfaces have increased surface runoff, reducing the ability of drainage networks to cope with sudden heavy rainfall.
“The combination of exceptionally heavy rainfall and localised conditions contributed to the flooding experienced in several areas,” he said.
The state government has instructed the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and other technical agencies to conduct detailed investigations at every affected location to identify the precise causes behind each flood incident.
Izham said the assessment would form the basis for both immediate mitigation measures and long-term infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
He stressed that flood management requires continuous evaluation as urban development changes the landscape, placing additional pressure on drainage systems originally designed for different environmental conditions.
Apart from infrastructure upgrades, the state government is also looking to strengthen flood preparedness by enhancing its early warning network.
Izham said authorities are working to improve monitoring systems and public communication so residents receive faster alerts, giving them more time to prepare before floodwaters rise.
The state is also collaborating with local authorities, technical agencies and property developers to identify practical engineering solutions that can better manage stormwater in rapidly developing urban areas.
Following Saturday’s floods, Selangor directed an immediate multi-agency response to assess damage, investigate contributing factors and implement urgent mitigation measures where necessary.
Izham reiterated that the government views recurring flash floods as a serious issue affecting residents and businesses, adding that protecting public safety remains a key priority.
He also revealed that he had personally inspected several flood-prone locations on May 11 after receiving complaints from residents and traders regarding repeated flooding.
The site visit, he said, enabled state agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure while identifying areas requiring further improvements.
As climate variability and urban expansion continue to place greater strain on city infrastructure, Selangor officials say a combination of engineering upgrades, improved monitoring and better coordination among agencies will be essential to reducing flood risks and building greater resilience for communities across Petaling Jaya.
