Residents of Taman Garing in Rawang, Selangor, want both answers and action from government agencies over flooding woes that have spanned five years now.

taman garing 011208 car Despite election promises and a change of government since March 8, there has barely been improvement in the situation, said ad hoc flood committee coordinator Pramila Krishnamurthy.

“If proof is needed, just consider the flood (after a downpour) on Saturday. The knee-high water damaged vehicles and entered some of the houses,” she said, producing photos to back her assertion.

“We want a permanent solution to this problem now.”

A report published in May by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) identified a combination of factors for the floods.

Taman Garing is located on lower land compared to surrounding areas. Consequently, there is very little immediate run-off of water or absorption by the soil whenever it rains.

taman garing 011208 retention pond The retention pond located in a nearby development project - which began in 2003 - is too small and has been affected by soil erosion. Sediment has flowed into a narrow channel and into the culvert, causing water to overflow during heavy rain.

Pramila said Fomca’s findings only confirmed what residents have suspected all along and conveyed to the local authorities and relevant government agencies. Since the first flood occurred in August 2003, there have been seven other incidents.

“The report was submitted, among others, to the Selayang local council, the state environment department and drainage and irrigation department, and the housing and local government ministry,” she said.

Meeting held

A meeting was held on Nov 12 between representatives of these agencies and Rawang state assemblyperson Gan Pei Nei, but residents have yet to be told the outcome of the discussion.

“It has been so many months since the (Fomca) report was submitted. Somebody has to tell the truth to the people who live here. What has been happening? What are they doing? What action has been taken?”

taman garing 011208 culvert Calls to Gan and other government officials have only elicited assurances that work is being done.

“But what they’re doing, we don’t know. Now, another flood has occurred,” she said.

Recounting the election promises made nine months ago, Pramila said Pakatan Rakyat leaders had pledged to bring about change for constituents.

“We want a good relationship with our elected representative, so that the person can be our voice. We don’t want that this state government to be like the Barisan Nasional one,” she added.