Ministry of Housing and Local Government Addresses Water Overflow Concerns in Taman Tun Dr Ismail

Ministry of Housing and Local Government Addresses Water Overflow Concerns in Taman Tun Dr Ismail

PETALING JAYA (Feb 27): Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has responded to public concerns following a water overflow incident in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), which gained attention after a video circulated online on Feb 24.

The footage alleged that construction works linked to the Bukit Kiara Federal Park Administrative Zone project may have contributed to repeated flooding near Jalan Abang Haji Openg.

The ministry clarified that it is treating the Feb 22 incident with urgency and has instructed immediate technical intervention by the National Landscape Department (JLN) and the Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR) Kuala Lumpur. The project — officially known as the completion of Phase 1B of the Bukit Kiara Federal Park Administrative Zone — is targeted for completion by July 5, 2027.

Initial Technical Findings

Preliminary investigations indicate that the overflow was not caused by a single factor but rather a combination of circumstances, including:

  • Intense and unexpected rainfall

  • Reduced capacity in existing public drainage systems

  • Surface water runoff from the active construction site

A comprehensive on-site audit conducted by JKR’s engineering team identified several areas requiring immediate rectification to prevent recurrence.

Five Key Mitigation Measures Implemented

Authorities have begun executing a series of corrective actions, including:

  1. Enhancing temporary retention ponds (silt traps) to increase rainwater holding capacity

  2. Clearing accumulated silt from affected public drains

  3. Strengthening routine inspection and maintenance of temporary site drainage systems

  4. Installing additional erosion and sediment control mechanisms to slow down surface runoff

  5. Redirecting water flow toward designated discharge points to optimise outflow management

The investigation also revealed that certain utility pipes crossing public drains had reduced hydraulic efficiency, contributing to localised overflow. Repair and upgrading works are currently in progress.

Ongoing Monitoring and Technical Review

As a precautionary step, authorities are closely monitoring slope stability, soil retention structures and surrounding infrastructure to safeguard nearby residents.

JKR is also reassessing the adequacy of the existing Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, particularly in light of increasingly frequent extreme rainfall events that may exceed original engineering assumptions.

JLN has acknowledged residents’ feedback and apologised for any inconvenience experienced during the construction phase, noting that updates will be provided as works progress.

Broader Implications for Property Owners and Investors

Flood mitigation and drainage resilience remain critical considerations for property stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Whether it involves commercial property in KL, office space in Bukit Jalil, factory developments in Puchong, or industrial property in Subang area, infrastructure reliability plays a central role in long-term asset value.

For investors assessing industrial land in Selangor or mixed-use developments across the Klang Valley, proactive drainage planning, erosion control systems and compliance with updated environmental standards are increasingly vital in safeguarding operational continuity and tenant confidence.

As urban redevelopment intensifies across Kuala Lumpur’s established neighbourhoods, coordination between authorities and developers will remain essential to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining environmental resilience.