Flash floods fear over dirty Sg Kerayong

KUALA LUMPUR: The accumulation of garbage in Sungai Kerayong has reached alarming levels, posing a threat to the surrounding communities.
"The odour is overwhelming, and the sight an eyesore. Not to mention the ever-present worry of flash floods," said Gerakan Youth organising secretary Ben Liew Pok Boon
Liew pointed out if Sungai Kerayong ever flooded, the deluge would head on towards Kuala Lumpur since the river is a tributary of the Klang and Gombak rivers.
"Flash flood in Kampung Cheras Baru southwards occurs if rainfall exceeds 302 mm. It only takes 113 mm for Pandan Indah to experience the same problem," he said at a press conference yesterday.
Liew said several garbage traps and collection machinery were installed along the riverbank several years ago, but were now largely unused.
"After numerous complaints to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), residents were informed this issue falls under the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry."
Stating both parties were passing the buck, Liew said the inaction only caused more suffering to Pandan Indah residents.
"When a flash flood occurs, the torrents sweep the garbage elsewhere," he said, adding that this made the collection system redundant.