Authorities in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, have announced plans to enhance flood mitigation infrastructure following severe flash floods that struck the area on September 20. The rainfall, which amounted to 155 millimeters within two hours, caused significant flooding in multiple locations, notably Taman Ukay Heights.

The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) are set to undertake the construction of two new retention ponds to address the capacity issues that contributed to the flooding. One retention pond will be built by DID in Taman Tun Abdul Razak (TAR), located more than 500 meters from the most affected areas, while MPAJ will focus on Kampung Baru Ampang with a separate pond project estimated at RM700,000. The Kampung Baru project is slated to begin late this year and is expected to take between six months and a year to complete.

The recent floods occurred after the Sungai Kongsi Lapan river overflowed its banks in Taman Ukay Heights, particularly impacting Jalan Chong Khoon Lin, a lower-lying area adjacent to the river. Approximately 20 residences in this vicinity and along Jalan Kolam Air were affected. MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari explained that the extreme rainfall led to the river exceeding its carrying capacity, and the internal drainage system was unable to discharge water effectively due to the river already being full.

To address these vulnerabilities, the DID has allocated roughly RM15 million for upgrading the Sungai Kongsi Lapan and expanding retention capabilities in the area. Previous mitigation efforts, such as widening and deepening drains along Jalan Chong Khoon Lin and elevating riverbanks, had helped reduce flooding during earlier heavy rainfall events.

In addition to the retention ponds, MPAJ plans to improve drainage along Jalan Pandan Indah. The area’s main monsoon drain currently struggles to handle large volumes of water, causing periodic flooding near commercial properties. Upgrades will facilitate rerouting excess water into Sungai Kerayong, with construction anticipated to start early next year and last about six months.

Following the severe rainfall, MPAJ mobilized a team of 50 staff members from various departments to assist residents with cleanup and recovery efforts.

Separately, MPAJ’s Special Revenue Squad has intensified efforts to recover unpaid assessment taxes, launching its sixth enforcement operation since its establishment in 2023. The unit, involving 107 council personnel, is targeting 6,200 accounts with outstanding arrears totaling RM15.6 million from May to October this year. As of September 21, RM4.05 million had been collected, representing just over a quarter of the total owed.

MPAJ also opened applications for traders interested in participating in next year’s Ramadan bazaars. From October 1 to 11, vendors can apply online for one of 861 available lots across 17 locations. Applicants must provide valid Social Security Organisation contribution documents, with lot selection and payment scheduled between October 26 and November 1.