"...these were only short-term measures as the problem faced by the people was due to the over-development around the Sungai Damansara catchment area"

The Star
9th March 2006

More flood warning sirens to be set up
By SA’ODAH ELIAS

KUALA LUMPUR: The Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is looking into the possibility of using SMS to alert residents in Shah Alam's low-lying areas of possible flooding.

The department will also set up more warning sirens in flood-prone areas such as Taman TTDI Jaya, Kampung Kebun Bunga and Batu Tiga, which were badly hit during the Feb 26 floods, said its director-general Datuk Keizrul Abdullah.

The people have also been told to brace themselves for another major flood if the Sungai Damansara catchment area were to experience heavy rainfall similar to that two weeks ago.

Comment by KD Wetland:

So Shah Alam friends, be prepared for another round of "major flood" ... ??

Keizrul said the SMS system was already available for department officers to receive automatic updates on their mobile phones once rainfall exceeded a certain level.

“We are looking into how we can extend a similar service to people in the affected areas so that they can take measures to protect their properties,” he added.

He said the delay in carrying out flood mitigation programmes – such as dredging Sungai Damansara, fortifying its bunds and increasing the height of its banks – was due to the process of appointing contractors through open tender, which would take around two months even on a fast-track basis.

“We will also strengthen the walls of the Kota Damansara retention pond which collapsed on Feb 26 and increase its storage capacity,” he said.

Comment by KD Wetland:

If DID knew that there is a NEED to increase this retention pond's storage capacity as part of the critical flood mitigation programmes, why DID Selangor approved the 10.2 acres or about 25% reclaimation of this retention pond to enable the construction of 6 blocks of 25 story apartment on it?

The approval to reduce the size of the retention pond is in DIRECT conflict with the need to increase its storage capacity. Which direction are we taking?

Kota Damansara covers a total development area of more than 2,000 acres. According to "Manual Saliran Mesra Alam", total water retention pond for the area in question should be 3 to 5% of the total development area.

Hence, there should be 60 to 100 acres water retention pond in Kota Damansara.

Can DID or PKNS give residents of Kota Damansara and *ALL* affected recent flood victims in Shah Alam, an itemised breakdown of each retention pond and its respective water body in Kota Damansara?

However, he pointed out that these were only short-term measures as the problem faced by the people was due to the over-development around the Sungai Damansara catchment area.

The river could not even be widened as most of its reserve had been developed.

“The massive development upstream of Sungai Damansara, Sungai Pencala and Sungai Air Kuning – particularly the Bukit Cerakah and Kota Damansara projects – is causing heavy siltation in the river,” he said.

“Once you have an area heavily developed, the water runoff not only more than double in volume during heavy rain but also in speed.

“The Sungai Damansara catchment area is almost fully developed, except for two green lungs at Taman Pertanian Bukit Cerakah and Taman Botani near Sungai Buloh.

Comment by KD Wetland:

We fully concur with DID Director-General Datuk Keizrul Abdullah - over-development is the main cause.

It doesn't take a genious to figure out that over-development is a controllable factor. It's the deliberate actions and decisions of Selangor state government that leads to over-development, hence todays's massive floods problems.

The MB Selangor should take FULL responsibility and be accountable for his actions and decisions.

Here's a classic example...

Kota Damansara water retention pond and its surrounding strips of land is zoned for water retention and recreational purposes, known as Zone G under The Kota Damansara Master Plan. Proof? Click here

However, inspite of the STRONG protest by neighbouring residents, the Selangor state government has approved to reclaim 10.2 acres or about 25% of this retention pond to enable 6 blocks of 25 story apartments to be built on land zoned for water retention and recreational purposes.

Why the change in land use? Is the change in land use from water retention and recreational to residential justified?

Isn't this another classic example of "Deliberate Over-Development" planning?

Who is to be blamed here?

The irony is...

The Star dated 9th March 2006 has reported that DID Director-General Datul Keizrul Abdullah informed that " DID will increase storage capacity of this retention pond"

Reduce the retention pond by 25% OR increase its storage capacity?

Hey, which direction are we heading?

Final analysis: Who is to be blamed?

“Because of that, we have already drawn up a master plan for the whole Sungai Damansara basin to protect the low-lying areas. The projects will only take place in the Ninth Malaysia Plan,” he added.

Last week, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo criticised the department for its delay in implementing flood mitigation projects along Sungai Damansara.

Comment by KD Wetland:

Huh... another classic example of looking for a weak "scape goat"? You be the judge... LOL

Selangor government boleh!
Macam-macam boleh!
Apa pun boleh!
Itu pun boleh!
Ini pun boleh...
Semua pun boleh?? :- (

The **UNTOLD** Jaw Dropping Story... about Sunday's 26.2.2006 Massive Flood at Shah Alam

Flood at Shah Alam? What flood? It's dry here... There are no waters in this 40 acres water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara!

Read the **UNTOLD** jaw dropping story to uncover one of the eye popping root cause that compounded the massive flood that invaded 3,000 houses and forced 9,015 people to evacuate their homes in Shah Alam on Sunday, 26.2.2006

Will the Selangor government learn from this lesson?

Oh God, please convict them! B'cos...

More floods could be on the way.....

What our leaders said about Sunday's 26.2.2006 flood at Shah Alam...

Retired civil servant Zakaria Merican said he spent his life savings on his home in TTDI Jaya only to endure floods time and again.

"To live in peace is a fundamental right of residents but we have been robbed of this," he said.

M. Stellamary, 30, said she moved to TTDI Jaya barely six months ago only to see her home hit by flood waters that left it a mess. The housewife was heart-broken as she had spent time and money on her home. "I am tired of excuses from the council. No more excuses please, we have suffered enough," she said.

Menteri Besar Selangor Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo

“The floods really caught us off guard,”

"... I wanted a report on why the early warning system for floods was not working well"

Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo,

Yes, you caught the 40 acres water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara "off-guard" too...

How?

By approving the reclaimation of 10.2 acres or 25% of the said water retention pond...

Please consider NOT to reclaim 10.2 acres / 25% of the water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara and do revoke the approval for the proposed development .

>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

"...the Government would discuss flood prevention measures with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo."

“Yes, the weather is very difficult to predict, and theres been more rain than normal. But steps are needed to make sure our drainage is able to cope,”

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,

Thank you very much for your concern and exploring preventive measures. Hopefully, the plight of Section 3 Kota Damansara water retention pond will also receive due attention from you and our respected leaders in the federal government.

>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<

Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu

“An open area must be found to collect water during a downpour to prevent it from flowing into the river when the water level is high,” said Samy Vellu.

Datuk Seri Samy Vellu,

An open area to collect water during a downpour to prevent it from flowing into the river when the water level is high is already in existence. Well, one of them...

But, your friends from the Selangor government has decided to reduce a 40 acres water retention pond in Kota Damansara by 25% very soon.

>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<

Batu Tiga state assemblyman Datuk Salamon Selamat

"...they should have raised the land by about a metre so that damage from floods could be minimal."

Salamon said he had submitted a request for an additional retention pond to control flooding in the area.

“Currently the village only has one pond and it is not enough,” he said. “A second one will be a big help.”

FULL story below....

Dear Datuk Salamon Selamat,

The Selangor state government should have also build a stronger and better water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara too...

Should this critical water retention pond be reduced by 25% or 10.2 acres in exchange for more than 1,000 unit or 6 blocks of apartment and commercial shoplots?

We hope the Selangor state government will also listen to the residents... DON'T reduce the water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara, NOT 25% - 10.2 acres OR 1 inch. NEVER!

.... HERE'S the full story....

If only villagers had listened
The Star 1.3.2006

LANDOWNERS in Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga were advised to elevate their land before building their houses, but many of them didn't.

Batu Tiga state assemblyman Datuk Salamon Selamat said they should have raised the land by about a metre so that damage from floods could be minimal.

Salamon said the village, through the Sungai Damansara flows, was naturally prone to floods and it had been hit several times. In the last couple of months alone Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga has been flooded twice.“The village is lower than the water level,” he said. “Geographically, it is a flood-prone area, a fact residents are well aware of,” he said, adding that the traditional Malay village was one of the earliest settlements in Shah Alam.

Due to the land condition, the early settlers were issued with a temporary occupancy licence (TOL), renewed on a yearly basis.

A few years ago, they were given land titles. “We advised them to raise the lands then,” said Salamon. “A metre higher would have been a safer level and the devastation from Sunday’s flood would not have been this bad,” he added.

Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga was one of the worst-hit areas during the flood that ravaged most of Shah Alam three days ago. The other badly-hit areas were TTDI Jaya, Kampung Melayu Subang, Kampung Baru Hicom and Batu Tiga area.

Salamon, who was also the Shah Alam mayor between 2002 and 2004, was involved in the early planning and development of the city while working with PKNS from 1974 to 1991.
Salamon agreed that Sunday’s flood was the worst in about 10 years.

“Usually, the water level reaches 0.5m, but this one was 2m to 3m high,” he said.
The incident, which occurred early in the morning, sent thousands of residents in Shah Alam fleeing their homes.

Many were awakened by the sudden gush of water into their homes. By the time they realised what was happening, it was too late.

Salamon attributed several factors to the floods. One was the Sungai Damansara overflowing into the Kuala Lumpur side after about 400mm of rain fell in the area in nine hours alone. By the time the water reached Shah Alam, the tide in the sea off Klang also rose and this caused the water to back up and overflow into low-lying areas.

Salamon said he had submitted a request for an additional retention pond to control flooding in the area. “Currently the village only has one pond and it is not enough,” he said. “A second one will be a big help.”

He said the Selangor government had approved several flood mitigation projects last week.
These include a RM3mil pump system for TTDI Jaya and works to repair and raise the height of river bunds along Jalan Kebun Bunga, costing about RM7mil.

The government also had plans to install a floodgate and widen water channels along the NKVE.
However, the flood occurred even before the works could begin.

Collapse of Section 3 Kota Damansara Water Retention Pond Compounded Sunday's 26.2.2006 Flood at Shah Alam

Two hours of unusually heavy rainfall since 3:30am on Sunday 26 Feb 2006 has resulted in Sungai Damansara overflowing its banks and waters flooded 3,000 houses in Shah Alam. 9,015 people were evecuated.

In many places, flood water hovered around 1m high. It rose to about 2.3m in a few areas, almost reaching the roof of single storey houses.

The authorities blamed the massive flood on unpredictable "mother nature"; convergence of winds from the South China Sea and Indian Ocean at the Straits of Malacca - a rare occurrence, clogged drains, shallow rivers due to siltation caused by upstream development, etc

Listen to our story and examine the photographic evidence...

we have posted to this blog, one UNREPORTED and UNNOTICED but jaw dropping root cause to this problem that has compounded Sunday's flood situation....

The collapse of bund structure - a 40 acres water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara... has resulted in water volume equals to 10 to 15 feet of water depth multiply by 40 acres water body gushed out from a broken bank of the water retention pond to low lying areas in Subang and Shah Alam area... compounded the flood situation.

This 40 acres pond was dried-up within hours!

This serves to remind PKNS's arrogant town planner, Cik Norzila and the Selangor State government the importance of this water retention pond to mitigate flood in low lying areas, downstream of this water retention pond.

To begin with, look at this map...

Self-explanatory satellite map showing the flow of Sungai Damansara into Section 3 Kota Damansara water retention pond.

This water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara is located along Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, directly infront of Sekolah Sri KDU, next to Damansara Indah Resort Homes Zone 2.

Source : Google Map

Interestingly, PKNS the land owner of this 40 acres water retention pond, MPPJ, MB Selangor, ADUN Kota Damansara... even JPS Selangor are of the opinion that it's perfectly okay to reduce this water retention pond by 10.2 acres, to make way for over 1,000 units - 6 blocks of apartment and commercial buildings, to be built on this 10.2 acres reclaimed land from this retention pond.

More interestingly, this water retention pond and its surrounding strips of land were actually been zoned for water retention and recreational purposes, under the Kota Damansara Master Plan.

It's indeed puzzling, the Selangor State government would allow the change of land-use and reduction of the water retention pond for this purpose.

Here's the million dollar question...

Would the reduced water retention pond, by about 25% later, able to cope with another rare occurrence of unusually heavy down pour?

If the answer is a definite YES, please don't blame it on mother nature again... when she strikes!

I am sure the engineers of JPS, PKNS, MPPJ etc can justify their decision to reduce this retention pond by 10.2 acres by complicated engineering calculations to prove its compliance to minimum standards and requirements as laid down by specific laws or guidelines.

Yes, it complied on paper but... "tak boleh pakai!"

I would like to bring to your attention one REAL incident...

During a dialogue session between Damansara Indah residents, ADUN Kota Damansara, developer of this proposed project SEGI and PKNS - the land owner, over this proposed project, PKNS Senior Manager of Town Planning Cik Norzila pointed her finger at a Damansara Indah resident and gave her "guarantee" that according to her town planning expertise and engineering calculations, she can "guarantee" that there will be no flood downstream for the next 100 years.

Such arrogance and disrespect to mother nature of a town planner is indeed very worrying...

To prove Cik Norzila wrong, dead wrong... mother nature has caused massive flood in low-lying areas in Shah Alam within 100 days of her declaration that "there will be no flood in the next 100 years".

Her town planning expertise and engineering calculations... no matter how good it shows on paper has proven to fail and failed miserably, within merely 100 days! I dread what's going to happen in the next 100 years.

Back to reduction of the said water retention pond by 25%, ie, 10.2 acres out of the total 40 acres,

Do you think MB Selangor, JPS Selangor, PKNS, MPPJ, ADUN Kota Damansara... are making wise decision in allowing this water retention pond be reclaimed by 10.2 acres or 25% so as to enable 6 blocks of 25 story apartment to be built on it?

*** REMEMBER! ***

You can make the difference... 'cos

When The Buying Stops
The Building Can Too!

Read this... Look at the photos... Put on your thinking cap... Then tell me: Can this be avoided?

This is the water retention pond at Section 3 Kota Damansara - full of water and visited by egrets, herons, king-fishers, eagles, etc before 26.2.2006

Pond full of water before bund broke

Water retention pond water discharge outlet structure

AFTER bund broken. Note the broken bund on the right

Tons of rocks and earth were washed downstream...
God... have mercy to Shah Alam residents

Broken bund

Before the bund at the discharge outlet was broken, based on the water marks, water depth was estimated at between 10 to 15 feet. Once the bund broke, water volume equals 10 to 15 feet x 40 acres of the flood retention pond gushed out downstream. The pond was dried-up within hours.

Water volume equals to 10 to 15 feet of water depth multiply by 40 acres were emptied within hours

Lesson to be learned...

RESPECT MOTHER NATURE...
AND...YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD SHALL BE SPARED

Federal aid for Selangor to prevent flash floods

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal assistance will be extended to the Selangor government to eradicate flash floods.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government would discuss flood prevention measures with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo.

“We need to act,” he told reporters after launching the International Meeting on Radiation Processing here yesterday.

“Yes, the weather is very difficult to predict, and theres been more rain than normal. But steps are needed to make sure our drainage is able to cope,” he said.

Najib was commenting on Sunday’s massive flood in Shah Alam, which affected more than 9,000 residents and about 3,000 homes.

“We will discuss upgrading measures that Selangor can undertake on its own as well as what the Federal Government can do to help,” he said.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said he would submit a special report to the Cabinet tomorrow on the flooding of part of the New Klang Valley Expressway.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the spot affected by floods on Sunday, Samy Vellu said the report would highlight the cause of the flooding, measures to overcome it and list the agencies that should be involved in eradicating the problem.

One recommendation would be to deepen Sungai Damansara, which had become shallower due to silt and garbage. “Sungai Damansara has become a big river as a lot of water is being released into it from surrounding housing estates,” said Samy Vellu, adding that bunds must also be constructed on both sides of the river.

“An open area must be found to collect water during a downpour to prevent it from flowing into the river when the water level is high,” said Samy Vellu.

Selangor state Infrastructure and Public Utilities Committee chairman Datuk Fatah Iskandar said the state government had approved the deepening of Sungai Damansara.

When visiting Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga, Batu Tiga, in Shah Alam, deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the wing would try and help students get schoolbooks from the Education Ministry.

“We are compiling a list of victims, especially schoolchildren. We will also collect clothing to be given to them,” he said.

"This is the third time in February...."

Atmosphere of fear and loathing in flood-hit areas

Residents of Taman TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam, drying out their furniture yesterday in the aftermath of Sunday's floods which hit mostly urban folks in the capital of Selangor. — STARpic by LOW BOON

TAT SHAH ALAM: If it happens once in a while, the experience can be quite fun; but when it occurs three times in a month, it becomes a pain.

That was what car sales executive Khairil Anuar had to say when cleaning up the mess left behind by floodwaters yesterday, a day after several parts of this city saw some of the worst flooding in years.

“This is the third time in February. Each time we have to stop our business to clear up the mess,” he said when met at his Perodua showroom located near the Giant Hypermarket in Section 13 here.

Khairul said floodwaters on Sunday reached up to his chest, submerging computers, fax and photocopy machines, furniture and documents.

All 20 Perodua cars of various makes in the showroom also suffered various degrees of damage.
“It can be fun if this happens once in a blue moon. But it is occurring so frequently. We are all fed up,” Khairul said.

Unlike Khairul, residents of the nearby Taman TTDI Jaya would not want to experience any flooding at all, even if it was once in a long while.

N.S. Linggam said: “Our furniture and electrical goods are all damaged. So is our BMW car.”
He said the Government should seriously look into the problem.

“Widen the drains, clear up the river. Do whatever that is needed to solve this problem,” the 42-year-old director said.

When asked whether he planned to move out, he said: “I will think about it. We can't go on staying here. What will happen if there are floods again?”

Another resident Wai Siew Kong was worried about the value of his house.
“Originally, it was valued at RM280,000. But I think it has dropped to RM160,000 now,” he said.
The 45-year-old marketing manager said no one would want to buy houses in the area anymore because of the problem.

Referring to the fact that Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo had declared Selangor as a developed state, Wai said: “Does this look maju (developed) at all?”

The Selangor MCA Crisis Relief Squad went on site to offer help. Led by squad leader Lee Li Yew, the 30-man team helped residents clean up.

In Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga, which was badly affected by the floods, its Umno branch chairman Mohd Awang Kechil said the evacuation of villagers was carried out smoothly.

“We have assigned evacuation centres in our area and the residents know where to go in case of flood,” he said, adding that the villagers were now experienced in handling such situations because there had been several floods recently.

Victims: Let this not happen again

Victims: Let this not happen again

THE evacuation centre in Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, was a picture of contrast to the sombre mood at the homes of victims of Sunday's flood.

Outside the multi-purpose hall, a group of people sat under tents put up in the compound. They occasionally broke into laughter only to be interrupted when their cell phones rang. These were men and women who were there to greet visitors, including the VIPs who paid the victims a visit.

Some of them were village officials who, at times, had to dodge the children playing and running around the compound. Inside the hall were women of all ages, mostly the elderly and mothers who needed to care for their babies.

They called for more milk and clothes for their children and even underwear for themselves.
The elderly would burst into tears when they recall what they had lost in the flood.

At lunch-time most of the men folk would turn up after spending the morning cleaning their houses.
Like farmers from paddy fields, they washed off the mud from their pants and cleaned their faces. They looked exhausted.

When asked for an interview, they only had this to say: “all we hope is that we don't have to go through this again. We hope that the authorities put an end to the flood problem in our area.”

More stories...

Residents caught unawares

SHAH ALAM: Zulkifli Abu Bakar was sleeping soundly when the sound of dripping water woke him up. The 42-year-old businessman living in Taman TTDI Jaya also noticed that his bed was swaying a little.

When he lowered his feet, he felt cold water and it was then that he realised his whole bedroom was flooded. He could not see clearly as there was no electricity.

He quickly alerted his wife and two of his daughters and got them out of the house, becoming one of 4,000 households in the Klang Valley to be affected by the worst floods to hit the region.
“When we got out, we saw crowds of people leaving their houses and running for safety,” he added.

Zulkifli had just moved in last November and had never experienced anything like this.
“I heard my neighbours say that there have been floods here before but nothing as bad as this. I'm just glad no one was seriously hurt,” he said, adding that the water had risen to 1.8m at 7am.

In another house nearby, the sight of her mother's slippers floating away stuck in the mind of six-year-old Juliana Jacob more than anything else.

She was also upset that her beloved piano was submerged in water.
“My piano and theory books are all under water. Luckily, my practical books are still okay,” she said.

Her mother, Flora, had been up since 3.30am when the heavy rain started.
“By 6am, the water started to come in,” she said.

To get out of their house, her maid had to dive underwater to open the lock of their gate.
Her geologist husband, Nicholas Jacob, who was in Sabah, immediately took the first flight back when he heard about the incident.

“I don’t even know if I can make any insurance claims for my house, my car and my belongings,” he said.

Jacob said he was unhappy about the lack of prior warning from the authorities.
“There is a flood warning siren just metres away from my house but it was not triggered at all,” he added.

The family would spend the night in a nearby clinic because Jacob was afraid that if he left the area, his house could be looted.

A 36-year-old consultant, who said this was the worst flood he had experienced in six years living in the area, said the inhabitants of the area always found themselves stranded whenever floods occurred.

“There are no roads leading out of the area which are not underwater,” he said.
Flooding also affected those living in the Perdana Apartments next to the Giant Hypermarket in Section 13 here.

Nazarullah Sekawi, 20, knew the area was prone to flooding but did not expect to be so unlucky.

The Concorde Hotel Shah Alam houseman said this was the second time his car had been damaged by floods. “This is the fifth flood in two months. I did not manage to save my car this time because I was asleep,” he said.

Nearby, car sales executive Hishamuddin Mohd Nawi, 32, had a shock of his life when he turned up at his car showroom and saw 30 Proton and 20 Perodua cars submerged in water.
“The water current was so powerful that it moved the cars,” he said.

Residents from affected areas also had to fend off “unwanted visitors” which came with the water.

Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association chairman K. Balasupramaniam said his volunteers, who were helping flood victims, caught a cobra.

Other residents were seen killing centipedes and cockroaches.

More flood stories...

Floods give folk a tough time

SHAH ALAM: It has been a long backbreaking night for The Star journalist Zulkifli Abdul Rahman.
Instead of spending his Sunday night watching television with his two young children like he usually does, Zulkifli was busy salvaging his furniture and scrubbing the floors and walls of his house in Taman TTDI.

He had found his kitchen completely ruined after the floodwaters receded. His house was among thousands of homes here hit by floods yesterday.
Zulkifli was, however, grateful to well-wishers who turned up at the residential area, offering food to his family and neighbours.

The floods, while leaving a trail of damage, had also rallied together the people in the neighbourhood. Motorists had honked their cars at 4am to wake up residents to alert them of rising floodwaters.

“One woman even went from house to house, knocking on the door to warn us,” he said, adding that the family would be huddled on the upper floor of the house in case there was heavy rain and floods again.

Like Zulkifli, Halizan Ibrahim and her family members stayed up the entire night to clean their house in Jalan Lagenda in Taman TTDI Jaya.

With Tenaga Nasional cutting off power supply following the flood, they had had to rely on candles and torchlights to illuminate their home.

“It is hot and humid inside the house. We have no choice but to get the job done as soon as possible. There will be stains if we leave the cleaning-up until tomorrow,” said Halizan, a TTDI Development employee.

Halizan said her three-month old Proton Gen2 was damaged. Fortunately, another family car was in the workshop at the time of the floods.

“Almost everything on the ground floor of the house – furniture, electrical goods and kitchen cabinets – have been damaged,” she explained.

Another resident, Wong Chee Keong, said he and his wife would take a few days off from work.
“It will take at least three days to clean up and get the house in order,” said Wong, who has been residing in the same area for almost 10 years.

Wong, a sub-contractor, said his car porch was built 40cm higher than usual but that it was still not high enough to prevent the water from entering his house. His four vehicles were damaged, along with his furniture and electrical equipment worth at least RM60,000.

“This is not the first flood we encountered since moving into the area 10 years ago. But it is definitely the worst,” he said. The family later spent the night at his daughter's apartment.
Over in Taman Mesra Batu Tiga in Shah Alam, more than 200 residents were left stranded outside their houses shortly after floods hit their homes.

Many were seen sitting about and wandering outside the main access road as they spoke to Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok, who had rushed straight to the place from a meeting upon learning of the residents' plight.

An awakening miracle happened... A stormy Sunday that flooded Shah Alam

Residents rudely awakened by floodwaters

The Star 27.2.2005

SHAH ALAM: Sunday is a day for sleeping in but not yesterday. Instead, the rest day turned out to be one of anxiety for thousands of residents here who were rudely awakened at dawn by floodwaters gushing into their homes.

Two hours of heavy rain since 3.30am had resulted in Sungai Damansara overflowing its banks and the waters inundating 3,000 houses. The worst affected areas were Taman TTDI Jaya, Kampung Melayu Kebun Bunga and Kampung Melayu Subang, Kampung Baru Hicom and Batu Tiga.

Evacuation began at 7.30 am and by press time, 9,015 people had been evacuated to eight relief centres. At the Kampung Kebun Bunga community hall alone, some 1,200 people sought shelter.

In many places, floodwaters hovered around 1m high. It rose to about 2.3m in a few areas, almost reaching the roofs of single-storey homes.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd had to cut power supply to 3,200 houses in Shah Alam due to the floods while KTM Komuter services were disrupted from 6am to 4pm.

“The floods really caught us off guard,” said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, who added that he wanted a report on why the early warning system for floods was “not working well”. Dr Khir said the state authorities reacted quickly to provide assistance to the victims.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha said the convergence of winds from the South China Sea and Indian Ocean at the Straits of Malacca – a rare occurrence – caused unusually heavy rain, not only in the Klang Valley but also parts of Perak, Malacca and Johor.

The Subang station recorded 118mm of rainfall at about 7am, almost double the usual rainfall of about 60mm recorded for a thunderstorm of between two and four hours.

A Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Bhd (Plus) spokesman said thousands of vehicles were diverted to alternative routes after the 15th kilometre along the Federal Highway and the 9th kilometre of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) were flooded.

“At 4am, the water level had reached 1m high at the NKVE,” he said, adding that traffic flow only resumed at about 2.30pm. The Federal Highway was closed between 6am and 12.40pm.
According to the Drainage and Irrigation Department, four rivers around the Klang Valley had exceeded the alert and danger levels.

The level at Sg Labu (at Salak Tinggi) was 8.12m, exceeding the alert level by 0.12m. At Sg Langat (at Bukit Changgang), it was at 4.12m, exceeding the danger level by 0.12m.
The level at Sg Damansara (at TTDI) reached 8.35m, exceeding the danger level by 1.05m, while Sg Langat (at Dengkil) was at 5.91m, exceeding the alert level by 0.21m. The level at Sg Kelang (at Taman Sri Muda) was 4.35m, exceeding the alert level by 0.25m.

Proposed Project Approved by MPPJ

Affected residents received the aboveposted letter, dated 17 Nov 2005 from MPPJ informing that the proposed project has been approved, but scaled down.

Now, 10.2 acres of the water retention pond will be reclaimed as opposed to 15.2 acres proposed earlier. The height of the building will also be lowered, from 35 to 25 story.

However, the approving authority still missed the crux of the whole issue. It's not an issue of 15.2 or 10.2 acres or 35 or 25 story building.

The issue is...

Why reclaim a water retention pond which is mean for flood mitigation purposes? Why allow residential and commercial buildings to be built on land zoned for water retention and recreational purposes.

The status of this land is very clearly spelled out in the Kota Damansara Master Plan.

Is the change in land use justified?

Residents' Protest - TV3 Coverage by Karam Singh

11 Sept 2005, hundreds of Damansara Indah residents gathered in-front of the lake to protest over the proposed development.

Reclaiming 15.2 acres of the water retention lake to build 6 blocks of apartment and commercial units is just not right, as this area was zoned for water retention/recreational purposes.

We screamed, we shouted....

"Please leave this water retention lake alone, don't reclaim a single inch of it. If reclaimed, downstream flooding is a possibility. Don't drive the birds away. This land is zoned for water retention and recreational purposes..."

The coverage was aired in TV3 Bulletin Utama on the same night.

The following day, ADUN Kota Damansara - Datuk Mokhtar Dahalan, PKNS and developer of proposed project - SEGI, together with Karam Singh from TV3 had a meeting at Datuk Mokhtar Dahalan's house in Shah Alam on the same night until 2am. Residents of Damansara Indah were NOT invited.

On the same night, another coverage by TV3 Karam Singh was aired...

Karam Singh reported that... "semua pihak duduk semeja..." giving the impression that residents of Damansara Indah were at the meeting called by ADUN Kota Damansara and together they were working together to resolves issues raised by residents. This was far from the truth, as residents were not invited for this meeting.

The message from ADUN, PKNS and SEGI to the affected residents - "this project will proceed inspite of your strong protest. However, we will work hard to address your issues of concern"

Prior to the protest, Damansara Indah Residents' Association has written to our PM, DPM, MB Selangor, MP Subang, ADUN Kota Damansara, PKNS, DID, MPPJ and Minister of Housing and Local Government, giving reasons supported by photographic evidences why the proposed development should not be allowed.

More than 50% of the biggest flood mitigation pond in Kota Damansara will be reclaimed to build 1,186 units of apartment !!!

IT IS NO LONGER A RUMOUR .... SEGI COLLEGE IS THE CULPRIT!!!

Water retention pond at Section 3 of Kota Damansara, infront of Sekolah Sri KDU will have to give way for a MASSIVE development proposed by SEGI Education Sdn Bhd???

If you are the affected residents round Kota Damansara or parents with children studying at Sekolah Sri KDU, please join us in this protest to MPPJ.

SEGI Education Sdn Bhd has on 13 June 2005 submitted to MPPJ application for Development Order to construct 1,186 units of mixed-development .....

3 blocks of apartment 26-33 story ( 528 units )
1 block of studio apartment with 5 story shoplot ( 278 unit studio apartment and 80 unit shoplot )
3 blocks of condominium 34 - 35 story ( 300 units )

However, this is NOT just any normal proposed residential developement .....

The irony is, these apartments will be constructed in the middle of a water retention pond which has been zoned for recreational purposes under the Kota Damansara Master Plan. More than 50% of the water retention pond water body will be reclaimed for this purpose.

The affected residents around this water retention pond are objecting this proposed development based on following reasons:

1. Efficiency of Retention Pond and flood mitigation measures compromised

The proposed site is a retention pond reserve which is part of a comprehensive river and drainage network for Kota Damansara and the greater upstream PJ Utara areas. The Kota Damansara masterplan alone totals an area of about 3,000 acres. The reduction of more than 50% (15.201 acres out of the total water body of about 30acres) of this pond will inevitably affect the efficiency of its ability to retain surface and storm water run-off and the overall flood mitigation masterplan would be compromised. Detailed studies need to be conducted not only for the said development site but the entire riverine network, drainage and surface water discharge systems both upstream and downstream to ascertain the impact of such a reduction.

2. Reduction of public open space

Retention ponds are considered as part of the open space network in a development. Therefore, in any planning submission, retention ponds are deemed to contribute to 30% of the overall open space required by the Local Planning Authority guidelines for open space which is 10% of the total land area. Through the elimination of 15.201 acres of retention pond area, this essentially also reduces the open space network for the entire development by 4.56 acres of open space/ nature park as a public amenity.

3. Change of Landuse not of public interest

The change of landuse of public reserve designated for retention pond to development land requires careful planning and consideration by the Authorities. By virtue of the above reasons, this is fundamentally wrong since there are many areas which are zoned residential and not fully developed todate. The revocation of reservation for retention pond should not be considered for projects which do not benefit the public. Converting and disposing public infrastructure and amenity for a private condominium and commercial development is not in keeping with general development policies and guidelines. The proposed development is private in nature and will deprive the public from being able to enjoy its original natural ambience.

The developer claims that Jabatan Pengairan Selangor has given approval for the development of 15.201 acres of retention pond reserve vide letter ref. Ruj.: (17) dlm. JPS SEL. 012C/9/3/455 dated 10 June 2005. However, item f) of the said letter states clearly that it is merely a consent in principle for consideration of the proposed development which does not automatically grant approval to any site plan and development details attached with the application until further studies have been carried out. Based on this, the content of the letter has been misconstrued by the applicant.

4. Impact on long term sustainability

The lack of integrated and comprehensive studies of such developments in relation to the overall Kota Damansara masterplan is detrimental to long term sustainability of planned communitites, public amenity, efficiency of infrastructural systems as well as the loss of natural green lungs, flora and fauna. This development proposal is ‘piecemeal’ in nature and not in keeping with the intent of the original masterplan.

5. Development justifications outlined in Section 7 of‘Laporan Cadangan Pemajuan' are weak:

i) Claims that JPS has given consent on the development of land totaling 15.201 acres is not correctly reported as detailed in Item 1 above.

ii) The development claims to be suitable with its residential surrounds and states that it is in keeping with the development trend favouring highrise to maximize landuse citing Casa Indah and Sunway Pelangi as examples. The reasons are invalid:

* The immediate surrounds are low rise low density residential and institutional zones. The proposed 25-35 storey highrise towers are not in keeping with the immediate surrounds in terms of density, building scale, image and skyline although MPPJ does not have a clear policy of height limit.

* There is no such thing as a highrise trend, more like maximizing profit. Developments generally do maximize landuse but care must be given to ensure public interest and development sustainability

* Examples cited are not standalone parcels like the proposed development. These highrise examples are part of a larger masterplan that provides for a variety of residential mix. Casa Indah for example is part of the Damansara Indah Masterplan totaling 409 acres developed by Damansara Impian Sdn Bhd which includes the Seri Selangor Golf Course, bungalows, Semi-detached, terrace houses and the Casa Indah apartments and the overall density is very much lower ie less than 10 units/acre. These highrise blocks are only 18 storeys. The Sunway development is developed in a similar nature combining both landed and strata development.

iii) This development may be providing more than the required carparks based on MPPJ guidelines which is very ‘conscientious’. However, in this scenario the total no. of carparks is 2709 and no. of motorcycle parks is 611. The total no. of vehicle park provided is 3320. This will add to the traffic congestion as these vehicle volume is not considered in the initial traffic studies and road network planning and will further put pressure on these secondary roads.

iv) The LCP states that there is no landuse conflict and physical constraint with its surrounds. Basically, there was never meant to be a development of such nature (ie high density, high rise apartment) which is bringing in a total of additional 1186 units (equivalent to 5930 population) and 3320 vehicles. The immediate surrounds are schools, colleges and institutions. The heavy traffic will cause congestion along this road and will be a safety hazard to school children. This in itself is very much in conflict with the surrounds.

v) The justification that this will contribute to the housing stock in MPPJ is not viable since there are a lot of housing schemes within Kota Damansara and there is should be no pressure to build on public reserve.

vi) Other justifications such as providing residential for middle income sector, the nearby workforce and elevating living standards are very vague. Essentially, broad Government objectives must be achieved through integrated developments ensuring long term sustainability of liveable and balance communities. To provide housing stock through the destruction of natural attributes and public amenities are detrimental to the environment and against Local Government acts and policies.

Read what ADUN Kota Damansara cum Selangor State EXCO for Housing and Local Government Datuk Mokhtar Dahlan has to say about this proposed development .... click here

How on earth can Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Selangor give SEGI Education Sdn Bhd a "in principle we have NO objection" consent???

Click on document to enlarge

As the custodian entrusted to protect our rivers and lakes ... this consent by Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran is rather surprising.

What's cooking man???

Isn't there anymore suitable land to build apartments ... why need to reclaim more than 50% of a water retention/mitigation pond for this purpose?

Can you smell a dead rat here?

More than 50% of the flood mitigation pond will be reclaimed for this humongous project.

Click on plan to enlarge

Perspective Plan

Perspective Plan of the proposed 6 blocks of 35 stories apartment in the middle of the water retention lake along Jalan Teknologi, infront of Sekolah Sri KDU

Please save me! Pleasssse!!!

Selamat Datang, Huan Yin, Manakam, Welcome and thank you for visiting my blog. My name is Kota Damansara Urban Wetland. Well, not exactly an Urban Wetland yet but I certainly aspire to be one, a real good one, if the authorities do give me a chance. Would you help me? Please!

I am probably the most sophisticated Urban Wetland in Malaysia fighting for my survival, 'cos I have a network of trusted admirers feeding me with reliable market intelligence. In addition, I am equipped with a web-blog, an email address and an autoresponder - an automatic email broadcast system, incase you do not know what an "autoresponder" is. :) Mr Google, the famous internet search engine, is also my good friend.

Inspite of my shortcomings, I am certainly capable of taking your breath away with the beautiful sunset, egrets, herons, eagles, king-fishers etc :) You don't have to believe what I said now. Scroll down and take a look at the photos, the evidence of my potential to be a REAL goooood Urban Wetland.

All photos are taken from ACTUAL wetland site.
There are NO digital camera tricks. NONE!

Well, please do not just visit my blog only. Come with your children to see the REAL me :) Let me bring a smile to their face. I am sure they will smile when they see me. I am sure! Come and visit me VERY soon before I am being sacrificed in the name of development. Just like the many other victims of non-sustainable development, I was told that I will be another victim ... very very soon :( The authorities in power just NEVER learn. Maybe refused to learn! The authorities preached about sustainable development but sadly, many of the people that care about my survival doubted that they ever practice what they preach.

You see, a developer intents to build 1,000 units apartment right in my heart. They will pour earth into my heart - what the developer call "land reclaimation" followed by all the funny drillings, knocking, etc. Thereafter, I will not be able to function properly as a flood mitigation lake. Houses, shops, schools, roads, etc down-stream will experience frequent flash floods, as and when there is a heavy downpour. The various authorities allowing the developer to do this probably couldn't be bothered with my existence and survival, probably also the flash floods. But, some people do care. They care for me very much! But, they are not in power to do anything :( If you know of someone who has the POWER to save me, can you please tell him to save me. Pleassssse! I heard that The Yang DiPertuan Agong, The Sultan of Selangor, The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are POWERFUL and caring people. Do you know them? Tell them please, tell them!

I am not sure when will THEY [ approving authorities and developer ] decide to take my last breath away. I will keep you informed of my latest development if you were to subscribe to my mailing list. Just send a "blank" email to kdwetland@aweber.com and I will be able to get in-touch with you.

"blank" email = do NOT need to type any message in the subject heading and message field. Plain "blank" email will do.

Please forward my blog address www.kdwetland.blogspot.com to ALL your friends, urging them to save me too.

You see, if only 10 of you were to forward my blog to another 10 of your friends and so on .... the magic of public pressure might take place. It only takes few clicks of your little mouse. Let's do the maths ....

10 x 10 = 100
100 x 10 = 1,000
1,000 x 10 = 10,000
10,000 x 10 = 100,000
100,000 x 10 = 1,000,000

Sorry, I don't mean to be rude. I can't control my emotion. I can't carry on talking anymore..... 'cos I am crying now ....... :(

Please save me! Pleasssssse!

P.S. Come back to visit my blog often for more photos and latest update. In case you need to contact me, click on "view my complete profile" to access my contact email.

P.P.S. Please leave your comments on my blog to show that you care. It is easy .... click on "Comments" on the white box just below this posting. Your comments are important and can just save me.

Thank you!

White Egrets Add Character to Urban Landscape

Click on photo to enlarge.

On 17th March 2004, Malaysian Nature Society issued a press release expressing its concern over the diminishing coastal mangrove habitats for the migratory "white egrets" in response to the NST article dated January 26th 2004 - "Egrets Habitat Under Threat" It is indeed worrying to see a common trend countrywide that more and more of the migratory bird's habitat are being destroyed and/or converted for human use. To read MNS's press release click here.

About the same time, scores of egrets and herons are frequently sighted at Kota Damansara Urban Wetland by nearby residents, teachers and parents / drivers of Sekolah Sri KDU when sending their children to and from Sekolah Sri KDU every day.

Efforts should be made to spruce-up this urban wetland to encourage these birds making this wetland their habitat during their annual migration.

A purple heron basking in the sun. Why chase it away by taking away its natural habitat?

Click on photo to enlarge.

This is a purple heron. This bird perch on low trees and bushes, or seen motionless in shallows waiting for or stalking fish and other small animals. While not endangered, it is an important and fairly spectacular wetland species.

Actual View of Kota Damansara Urban Wetland infront of Sekolah Sri KDU. Preserve this beautiful sight! Pleassssssse!

Click on photo to enlarge.

This 17.886 hectares [ about 40 acres ] of flood mitigation lake with small strips of land around it is located just in-front of Sekolah Sri KDU, next to Damansara Indah Resort Homes Zone 2. Exact location and direction to this wetland. According to the Selangor Science Park website, this flood mitigation lake, known as Zone G, is zoned for recreational purposes. View Zone G.

This lake has over time naturally evolved into a beautiful urban wetland with aquatic plants that attracted scores of birds, such as egrets, herons, king fishers and even eagles. Golden eagle, a rare eagle species was sighted here too. Some of these birds are believe to be migratory species. Residents of Damansara Indah Resort Homes overlooking the wetland had also reported frequent sightings of fireflies around the wetland.

Wetlands "hold" heavy rainfalls, preventing possible flooding downstream. By storing the water in the soil or retaining it in the surface waters of lakes, marshes, etc., wetlands reduce the need for expensive engineered structures. Wetland vegetation also plays a role in slowing down the flow of flood water. A recent study in the USA estimated that 0.4 hectares of wetland can store over 6,000 cubic metres of floodwater. This will not only help to reduce the huge costs of flooding events but also restore other ecological services such as purifying water and recharging aquifers.

Next to this urban wetland is an IWK treatment plant. IWK discharges it treated effluent into this wetland. This wetland will certainly further purifies the IWK treated effluent. Plants and soils in wetlands play a significant role in purifying water.

The federal government had spent millions of ringgit to build a wetland at Putrajaya. Here we are, a God given natural urban wetland infront of us, without us spending a dime. Perhaps the Selangor government should consider sprucing up this wetland by planting additional suitable aquatic plants, trees around the wetland and build a proper walking path for the public to enjoy the biodiversity of this urban wetland, as this flood mitigation lake and the surrounding strips of land are zoned for recreational purposes.

Another actual View of Kota Damansara Urban Wetland infront of Sekolah Sri KDU

Click on photo to enlarge.

Can you see an eagle hovering over this urban wetland? Look at the top left hand corner. Next to this urban wetland is Damansara Indah Resort Homes.

A VERY rare sight ................

Click on photo to enlarge.

Fancy flying with the birds and enjoying this urban wetland from a hot air balloon?

"I wish these egrets will NEVER go away, grand pa!"

Click on photo to enlarge.

These are Great Egrets This is the largest of the egrets, most obviously so when in flight. Pure white, with strong bill. Waits and stalks fish and other small animals in shallow water.

Growing up in a big crowded city like Petaling Jaya, I believe many children have not seen a REAL egret and heron with their own eyes in their natural environment, next to the road, in-front of their school or behind their house. I have to confess that I haven't either. Have you? Isn't this a God given natural treasure that we should preserve?

Do come to this urban wetland for a bird-watching outing with your family and friends. Best time to watch these birds in action are between 7 to 9am.

Probably you have NEVER seen so many egrets from a busy road before. I haven't! Have you?

Click on photo to enlarge.

These egrets are standing almost by the road side and just a stone-throw away from Sekolah Sri KDU. Probably you will NEVER see such a sight EXCEPT at Kota Damansara Urban Wetland. Probably! Oblivious to the traffic, the egrets are happily looking for preys.

Shouldn't we spruce-up and preserve this urban wetland?

Man, egrets and herons living in harmony. Why not? [ 1 ]

Click on photo to enlarge.

Can an urban wetland, herons, egrets, eagles, king-fishers ..... and MAN exist and live in perfect harmony? Must we destroy a God given natural environment in our door steps and drive away these beautiful wild life? Do we have to develop every inch of our land in the name of development? How about practising sustainable development that we often preach about? Practice it NOT just preach about sustainable development!

Probably you can't spot the man in his sampan, an egret standing in the middle of this wetland and a group of herons flocking away in this photo. We have croped and enlarged them in the following 2 photos. What a beautiful sight! Isn't it?

Man, egrets and herons living in harmony. Why not? [ 2 ]

Click on photo to enlarge.

A closed-up croped photo showing a group of purple herons flocking away in the middle of this urban wetland.

Man, egrets and herons living in harmony. Why not? [ 3 ]

Click on photo to enlarge.

A closed-up croped photo showing a man peddling in his little sampan while the egret stood watch and a group of herons flocking away in the middle of this urban wetland.

More egrets!

Click on photo to enlarge.

Have you seen a live heron in the wild next to your door steps?

Click on photo to enlarge.

Another purple heron!

Another purple heron. Can you spot it?

Click on photo to enlarge.

A blue-eared Kingfisher looking at the wetland

Click on photo to enlarge.

An eagle hovering over this urban wetland

Click on photo to enlarge.

Eagles hovering over this urban wetland are COMMON sights here.

Have you seen a Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater before? Here are 5 of them!

Click on photo to enlarge.

Can you spot 5 blue-tailed bee-eater standing on the wire? A bird of open country in Borneo during the northern winter. Found in all open habitats, rural areas, mangroves, plantations, scrub and secondary growth.

Can anyone tell me what bird is this?

Click on photo to enlarge.

Closed-up shot of a Blue-tailed Bee-eater.

Water flowing out from the wetland ... to a river that eventually leads to Sg Selangor

Click on photo to enlarge.

An ugly sight of this urban wetland .... :(

Click on photo to enlarge.

Must it be in this way? Anyone cares? :(

Another eye-sore!

Click on photo to enlarge.

Rubbish, wetland, man, egrets, herons, eagles, king-fishers .......... living in perfect harmony? PARDON ME !!! RUBBISH are NOT living organism. Uncaring man about the environment are the culprits. MPPJ can you do something here? Pleasssssssssse!!!

Hips of earth and construction debris next to the wetland

Click on photo to enlarge.

Urban wetland cum dumping ground? :(

Click on photo to enlarge.

Come on! Isn't there a designated dumping site? Surely there is!

Mesmerizing sunset over Kota Damansara Urban Wetland

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Isn't this a beautiful sight? Sunset over this urban wetland. If nothing is done to spruce-up and preserve this urban wetland, the biodiversity found in this wetland, just like the sun, will surely set too. :( Can someone in authority act to spruce-up and preserve this urban wetland fast. Pleassssssssssssse!!!!!!!!!

Sunset over Kota Damansara Urban Wetland

Click photo to enlarge.

..... Pleassssssssseee!!!! Or this urban wetland with its rich biodiversity will also and surely SET :(