HULU LANGAT, May 19 — The RM512 million Sungai Hulu Langat flood mitigation project is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year, following the appointment of a contractor.
Its implementation has given residents renewed hope in addressing the recurring flood problems in the area.
Dusun Tua state assemblyman Datuk Johan Abd Aziz said the matter was revealed by consultants during a project progress briefing last week.
“Once the river is deepened and retention ponds are built, I am confident it will help reduce flooding,” he said during the Flood Disaster Assistance Presentation Ceremony for the Dusun Tua constituency at the National Youth Skills Institute in Dusun Tua yesterday.
Johan added that several areas in Hulu Langat are currently facing flash-flood risks after heavy rain, with flooding lasting between 30 minutes and one hour.
Meanwhile, Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan said his office, together with the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), held a briefing last week to review the progress of the Sungai Langat flood mitigation project.
“Last week, we invited JPS to provide a briefing regarding the progress of the Sungai Langat flood mitigation project,” he said, adding that it is currently at the design stage and involves the construction of embankments, retention ponds, and river widening works at several locations to reduce flood risks.
Similarly, Batu 16 Dusun Tua resident Suhairi Talib, 54, expressed hope that the project would reduce the frequent flooding incidents affecting the area.
He said that floodwaters rose rapidly during previous floods, leaving many household items, including kitchen appliances, unable to be saved in time.
“We truly hope this flood mitigation project can reduce the frequent flooding problems here. Every time it rains, we worry another flood will occur,” Suhairi said.
For Taman Damai Batu 18 resident Norzalina Mohamad, 57, cleaning up after mud floods has become one of the greatest challenges residents face.
“There was an instance when floods happened three times in a single week. When mud floods occur, it takes about a week to clean the house.
"Naturally, residents are hoping for a long-term solution to overcome the flood issue,” she said.
Another resident from Batu 17 Dusun Tua, Faizal Wahid, 45, said the assistance received had somewhat eased the burden following the floods.
“This aid has helped lighten our burden after the floods we experienced. We just hope the mitigation project will reduce the flood risk in this area,” he said.
