Puncak Alam's rapid development brings flooding, traffic woes

KUALA SELANGOR: Rapid growth in Bandar Puncak Alam, also known as Bandar Shah Alam 2, has outpaced infrastructure development, leaving its nearly 250,000 residents grappling with mounting problems.

Spanning more than 6,000ha, the township, once dubbed Waterfall City, is now home to at least six major property developments.

However, essential infrastructure has yet to be upgraded, raising concerns among residents.

Development encroaching on hilly areas is also putting pressure on the environment, raising concerns over slope stability and environmental sustainability.

Among the main problems are flash floods, with drainage systems allegedly unable to cope with rapid development, and severe traffic congestion caused by a road network that has failed to keep pace with the growing number of vehicles.

Poorly planned development has also been linked to an increased risk of road accidents, while several essential facilities remain incomplete despite years of residential expansion.

Puncak Alam Residents' chairman Mohd Hanif Md Sultan said residents were concerned that infrastructure development had fallen behind despite the township's rapid growth and numerous high-impact projects.

"I understand that Puncak Alam contributes substantial tax revenue, not only from residents but also from companies setting up factories and offices here. Yet, the facilities remain inadequate and have not kept pace with development.

"We still do not have a police station or a fire station, despite the rapid population growth. Severe traffic congestion caused by roads that cannot accommodate the number of vehicles is also putting immense pressure on residents.

"The drainage system is also problematic despite maintenance work. Flash floods can happen at any time, and there is even the possibility of a major flood disaster.

"The authorities should also look into the recent case of a child who fell into a drain and whose body was eventually found," he told BH.

He said residents had raised their concerns, including through letters to the local authority, but had yet to see satisfactory solutions.

Hanif, who is mulling action, including bringing the matter to the attention of the authorities and the Selangor palace, said measures taken so far had failed to address the problems comprehensively.

He said the poorly planned road network made travelling difficult, as some access roads between residential neighbourhoods remained closed despite having been built.

This forced motorists to use main roads even when travelling between nearby housing areas.

Jeram assemblyman Harrison Hassan acknowledged that infrastructure in Puncak Alam had failed to keep pace with development and population growth, requiring urgent action by both the federal and state governments.

"Our office receives various complaints every day. Infrastructure is the main issue, including damaged and potholed roads, faulty streetlights and inconsistent domestic waste collection schedules," he said.

He said critical public facilities, including police stations, fire stations and government health clinics, fell under federal jurisdiction.

Harrison called for stronger commitment from federal agencies to bring these issues to the attention of the relevant ministries.

Former Jeram assemblyman Mohd Shaid Rosli also claimed that Puncak Alam appeared to have been neglected despite extensive development, citing delays in the construction of a school in Alam Suria.

Shaid also highlighted the shortage of essential public facilities, including a government health clinic currently operating from a terraced house.

He said this underscored the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to match the township's rapid growth.