Sashidaran Gunathevan
Residents of Kampung Chempaka in Petaling Jaya could soon see an end to repeated flooding. The RM13mil Kampung Chempaka flood project is slated for completion in June 2027, according to The Star.
The Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is leading the works. They include a 2m-high retaining wall, riverbank protection, drainage outlets and pump gates. A Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) compact substation is also part of the package.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor John Leong briefed residents at the village community hall. He said teams are trying to finish earlier. However, the date still depends on several approvals.
What the RM13mil project covers
The Kampung Chempaka flood project upgrades a 1.3km stretch of Sungai Kayu Ara. The stretch runs from Sri Maha Kaliama Temple at Jalan SS23/12 to Jalan Emas 1 in Taman Megah.
Besides the retaining wall, the works include riverbank protection and drainage outlets. Pump gates will also go in along the river. The TNB compact substation is built into the same project.
DID has also tested flood-warning siren systems. These are meant to give residents early notice when water rises.
The whole project costs RM13mil. Completion depends on construction progress, technical approvals and commissioning.
Where the work stands now
Work on the Kampung Chempaka flood project is moving in stages. Leong said the floodgate is the first milestone. “Work on the floodgate is underway and targeted for completion by late this month,” he said.
Next comes the pump house, control room and generator facilities. Work on these, and on the TNB substation, continues at Jalan PJU1/4A. The pump house is due by mid-December.
Crews are also building a flood wall and access ramp near St Ignatius Catholic Church. Meanwhile, slope protection beneath the transmission pylons beside Jalan PJU1/4D is waiting for a work permit from TNB.
Mechanical and electrical works, including pump installation, begin once the structural works end. Leong said the team wants to move faster. “Efforts are being made to complete the project earlier, around April 2027, subject to construction progress, technical approvals and commissioning,” he said.
More drainage works planned nearby
MBPJ is also running two smaller drainage contracts. A RM281,278 upgrade at Jalan PJU1/4 is 35% done. It is due in February 2027.
Drainage rehabilitation at SS25/4, SS25/10 and SS25/41 costs RM349,962. That project is 67% done and should finish this month. Together, the two contracts total RM631,240.
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MBPJ has proposed more projects for 2027, subject to budget approval. One is floodgates and pump facilities at the Sungai Kayu Ara drainage outlet, near the SS25/41 billboard. Another is a flood overflow control structure with pumps near Mayang Court Apartment in SS25/41. Each is estimated at about RM800,000.
A further 2028 plan would upgrade internal drainage inside Kampung Chempaka, at about RM1mil. Like the others, it still needs technical requirements and implementation arrangements to be settled.
Residents wait for relief
Teoh Yen, 49, has lived in Kampung Chempaka for more than 20 years. She said the area floods up to three times a year. “Residents have had to contend with floods up to three times a year,” she said.
Each time, she places a makeshift barricade in front of her door. She has also replaced mattresses and furniture. She described the financial and emotional toll as very taxing.
At the briefing, 20 affected residents, including Teoh, each received RM250 in financial assistance. The Damansara MP’s service centre gave the aid for losses from the April floods.
Village head Lim Yin Fah attended, along with Alex Yap, personal assistant to Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin. Residents can watch for the floodgate by late November and the pump house by mid-December.
Navin Kumar Perianen
C. Khor
Yalinie Mathan
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