He said that after the massive floods hit the Klang Valley last month, an integrated approach to soften the effects of flooding was urgently needed.

In a statement today, the Kuala Langat MP outlined 10 measures to overcome flooding, including deepening the Klang and Langat rivers.

“All water gates (screws, pumps and others) need to be inspected to make sure that they are fully functional.

“The Sungai Langat Phase 2 flood mitigation plan, which costs about RM500 million, must be executed now as the planning and design have been ready for the past 10 years,” he said.

Xavier also said that RM20 million should be allocated to build bunds.

“The Water Services Industry Act needs to be strengthened and the federal government empowered to manage and plan future developments.

“The irrigation and drainage department must ensure stricter enforcement,” he said, adding that there should be no building, construction or development on the river reserves.

He urged local councils to monitor the construction of kampung houses, as many seem to be able to build them without approval.

Xavier also said the state governments, landowners and developers must provide land for water retention ponds.

“Water retention ponds are a must and regulations must be changed to put a stop to ‘pocket development’ to prevent developers from evading the law,” he said.

“All drainage systems flowing out of a housing estate must be regulated to a size which serves as a retention structure so that excess water can be released, while playgrounds may double up as retention ponds, as done in some areas.”

He also suggested the use of weather satellites such as microsatellites for better forecasts.