By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: Anyone passing by Jalan Rapat Jaya next to the Chinese cemetery will notice the overgrown wild vegetation, small trees, and tall weeds.
This has been going on for quite some time, as if the drain—originally intended as a waterway during heavy rain—has lost its function.
When asked, local residents gave a simple response: they don’t know who is responsible for maintaining the drain.
Due to the lack of maintenance and the unchecked growth of plants and weeds, many questions have been raised.
One resident, Letchumanan, said he was worried the situation could lead to other problems, such as flash floods, because water cannot flow easily.
He also believed that this issue shouldn’t have arisen if the responsible authorities had done their part.
“Just look at the lush grass growing in the drain—you can tell how long it’s been since it was last cut.
“This is a main road, so it’s hard to believe no one has taken notice,” he said.
Another resident, Amir Halim, shared that he was informed that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) is supposed to be the authority responsible for drainage.
He said JPS is tasked with the construction and maintenance of drainage systems, which mostly consist of main and secondary drains.
“However, we’re not sure if this particular drain falls under JPS or another authority.
“Residents are frankly reluctant to lodge complaints because it’s the responsibility of the authorities to carry out maintenance. If everyone has to wait for complaints, what’s the point?” he lamented.
