Residents say Tasik Intan Baiduri has become shallower because of sediment. — Courtesy photo
DBKL urged to upgrade recreational park at Tasik Intan Baiduri
A NEGLECTED shallow lake that also functions as a retention pond in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, has residents concerned about possible floods.
Community activist Yee Poh Ping (pic) said Tasik Intan Baiduri had become shallower because of sediment such as mud and sand, as well as rubbish.
He said those living in the vicinity of Taman Tasik Intan Baiduri were worried in view of the coming monsoon season.
“People can now walk directly into the lake.
“It is so shallow that it has lost its flood mitigation function.
“The monsoon is expected to hit in November or December.
“Residents are worried that the reduced capacity will increase the risk of floods,” he said.
Yee urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to deal with the issue immediately, considering the large number of residents who would be affected in a flood.
“There are more than 2,000 units in the Intan Baiduri People’s Housing Project located adjacent to the lake.
“Thousands of apartment units and landed properties are also nearby.
“With that in mind, DBKL must immediately remove the sediment and deepen the lake to increase its capacity and reduce the risk of floods,” he said.
Yee also said that the recreational park surrounding the lake lacked facilities.
“The park is not equipped with amenities such as playgrounds, toilets and outdoor gym.
“It also does not have proper fencing and lights nor a guard house. This could jeopardise visitors’ safety.
“Additionally, the park’s drains do not have covers, which poses a safety risk, especially to children,” said Yee.
He said there were no signboards about the park along Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, the main road outside the area.
Motorists passing by were unaware of the park’s existence, he pointed out.
Yee said DBKL should upgrade the park’s facilities and make the place more attractive.
At at press time, DBKL has not responded to queries regarding the matter.
