S'gor in a fix over unowned ponds
Flood mitigation works along Sungai Kandis in Klang is one of the 32 projects under DID. — KK SHAM/The Star
The status of over 300 flood retention ponds in Selangor are unknown as the developers who sold off all units in their projects decades ago, are either no longer in business or bankrupt.
State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said over 300 retention ponds in Selangor were 'absent of an owner' hence putting the state government in a fix.
'Absent ownership of these retention ponds creates challenges in maintenance.
'Ensuring the ponds effectively store and release surface runoff is crucial,' he told reporters after chairing the infrastructure development meeting at Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
Izham said the over 300 ponds still served their flood prevention purpose despite ownership issues.
'We have carried out a census on flood retention ponds. Out of 600 ponds, more than 100 are under the purview of Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
Izham: Selangor taking over 55 retention ponds in Klang.
'Not many are under local councils; most of the ponds are under third parties – developers who have not surrendered the ponds to the authorities for decades,' he said.
Izham said Selangor government was working out a method to tackle the issue as it involved private land and the state did not want to be drawn into a legal dispute.
'Selangor is in the midst of taking over 55 retention ponds in Bandar Puteri and Bandar Botanic in Klang.
'For new developments, we have made it compulsory for developers to hand over the ponds before the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) is issued,' he added.
(The CCC certifies building safety and regulatory standards.)
Izham said regular maintenance of those ponds was critical to ensure effective function.
'Important aspects of maintenance work include removing accumulated sediment, controlling wild vegetation and ensuring effective operations.
'Ponds are desilted twice annually but at times once a year, depending on the area,' he said.
On a similar matter, Izham said 17 projects aimed at addressing flood issues in Klang were scheduled for completion before October 2025 as part of short-term measures carried out by the state.
'The projects costing RM3.35mil are being implemented at 13 flood hotspots in Klang.'
Among them are Kampung Johan Setia, Taman Teluk Pulai and Kampung Bukit Kapar.
'For the medium-term, 10 projects have been planned costing RM8.2mil while in long-term, there are five projects costing RM36mil in the pipeline.'
He added that 32 flood mitigation projects in Klang, costing RM47.55mil, were being managed by DID.
Izham said a working paper on the decision by the MBDK infrastructure development meeting would be tabled at the Selangor Economic Action Council meeting, in the next two weeks, for state government approval.
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