Tam indicating the flood water level on his front door, which he says comes up to ankle-deep if it rains for more than half an hour. — KK SHAM/The Star
A GROUP of Jalan Pendamar residents in Pandamaran’s Chinese New Village are frustrated with recurring floods caused by overflowing drains.
They said every time it rained heavily, their stretch of eight houses becomes inundated with filthy water, causing damage and disrupting daily life.
“If it rains continuously for half an hour, the drain in front of my house overflows and inundates the porch area,” said resident Tam Fook Weng, 62.
“If it rains for a longer period, the water will come up to ankle-deep and flood the entire house, from the living room to the kitchen.”
Tam said the problem had been happening for a decade and most of the residents, who are senior citizens, find it difficult to clean up the flood aftermath as the blackish water stains the floor.
“The problem is due to poor drain design and shoddy cleaning works.
“The drain is filled with silt and sand, so it fills quickly when it rains,” said resident Sim Yoke, 58.
“The local council needs to widen and raise the height of the drain.”
Radha Batumalai, 54, said the drain’s design was outdated and that was the reason for the overflow.
“It is a nightmare if it rains at night or in the wee hours of the morning.
“We cannot sleep as we will be worried about flooding and have to spend the next day cleaning if that happens.
“I hope the drain will be properly cleaned.
“Dirt and silt that has been scooped out must be disposed of and not left on the side of the drain, as these would be washed back into it when it rains,” she said.
Salesman TF Yuen, 56, said residents had repeatedly complained to Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) for over 10 years but seen little progress.
He urged the council to prioritise the cleaning and improvement of the drainage system to prevent future floods.
When contacted, MBDK Environmental Services Department director Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin said they would do a thorough clean-up of the drain.
On the drain’s design, MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz said the matter would be referred to the council’s Engineering Department.
