PETALING JAYA, June 6 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is ramping up efforts to mitigate recurrent floods at Medan Selera 223, including by installing a sensor-based early warning system and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor real-time water levels.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the initiative is part of MBPJ’s continuous efforts to reduce flood risks in the area, which has closed drainage systems and requires a more tailored approach.
According to him, MBPJ has held engagement sessions with traders’ associations to update them on flood mitigation project developments and steps that have and will be taken.
“Various flood mitigation projects are ongoing, involving short-, medium- and long-term solutions that will be done with agencies at the state and federal levels.
“These projects are sponsored by the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) and also involve coordination with the state government,” he said when met at an event to commemorate Petaling Jaya’s 20th year as a city at Dewan Sivik MBPJ here yesterday.
Zahri said state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim has visited the food court area, while infrastructure coordination meetings for Petaling Jaya have been held, with flood issues as the main agenda.
He added that the Selangor government is working to obtain additional funding to expedite several projects.
Zahri also said the installation of sensors and CCTV cameras in drainage systems allow real-time monitoring of water levels and function as early warning systems for traders at the Jalan 223 food court.
“When the water level reaches a certain mark, the sensor will activate the siren as an early warning to traders so they can prepare and move their goods to a safer place,” he explained.
MBPJ has also suggested the construction of a one-stop detention (OSD) tank at a vacant lot near the area to increase rain collection capacity and lower overflow risks during heavy rain.
Zahri said the recommendation would be submitted to the state government as a long-term solution to address floods in the area.
