Selangor orders halt to development work in Puncak Alam

Selangor's Chief Minister Amirudin Shari has imposed an immediate halt to all development works in Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, as the state reassesses flood mitigation plans and the area's environmental impact. The Public Works Department will temporarily close Jalan Batu Arang in Rawang for repairs to a collapsed bank.

Given the frequent rainfall, flood mitigation efforts must be expedited and not follow traditional schedules, Amirudin emphasized in a statement. The government acknowledges the inconvenience caused by recent heavy rains to commuters and schoolchildren, assuring that the public's safety and well-being are the top priorities.

Amirudin stressed that the people cannot tolerate excuses from any agency should floods occur; they simply wish to live safely without fearing for their lives or those of their loved ones. To address this, the state government will provide aid to flood victims at evacuation centers, with assistance ranging up to RM1,500 from both the national disaster management agency and the state government.

The government will also intensify house repairs and cleaning efforts, while early warnings will be issued to drivers in flood-prone areas. The Drainage and Irrigation Department will immediately implement water diversion works. All agencies have been tasked with ensuring swift and unimpeded maintenance of drains and rivers, as they face a growing climate change crisis.