SHAH ALAM, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government is accelerating flood mitigation works, including dredging and widening a 54-kilometre stretch of the Klang River, to reduce flood risks.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Datuk Izham Hashim said the project faced challenges from accumulated solid waste and thick sediment deposits following two decades without comprehensive maintenance.
“The original five-year timeline could be shortened to 18 months or two years following the approval of additional federal projects upstream and downstream," he said after closing the Selangor Friends of Rivers (FOR) Workshop 2026 here today.
Izham said dredging operations had been hampered by debris, including bicycle frames, mattresses and heavy textiles, which damaged equipment.
Nevertheless, the works had begun reducing flood risks, while the river's water depth had increased from one metre to four metres.
Izham said federal funding worth hundreds of millions of ringgit for floodwall construction had helped reduce the state's remaining expenditure to just over RM200 million.
He said river conservation efforts were also supported by 58 active FOR community groups, which help authorities monitor river reserves and report environmental violations.
Izham said a mobile app introduced by the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) in 2022 has also streamlined reporting and enforcement.
He warned that property owners allowing illegal dumping on their premises could face legal action, including land forfeiture.
Nearly 300 participants attended the workshop to strengthen community involvement in river conservation.
-- BERNAMA