KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has set up a special task force to manage and coordinate flood relief efforts in the city, Federal Territories Minister Shahidan Kassim said.

In a parliamentary reply to Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, Shahidan said the task force is made up of representatives from the police, fire and rescue department, health department, meteorological department, and the Civil Defence Force (APM).

“Two hundred and forty DBKL and 242 APM workers will work in shifts to monitor and take action in flood hotspots around the city,” Shahidan said in his reply.

“Around 1,000 volunteers are also ready to face floods around Kuala Lumpur.”

The monsoon is expected to last from November to March

Shahidan said the personnel will remain in the hotspots during the period.

“DBKL has also identified several locations that are suited to be converted into flood relief centres,” he said.

The shelters are in 16 community and sports centres, 15 multipurpose halls, 21 primary and secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur.

“It has the capacity to house 11,750 flood evacuees.”

DBKL has also installed an early warning system in several locations as part of a pilot programme, Shahidan said.

The warning system is located at Jalan Penchala Hilir 6, Jalan 9, Kampung Cheras Baru, Jalan Taman U Thant, Jalan Chan Sow Lim, and Dataran Merdeka.

Shahidan said based on last year’s experience, people in flood-prone areas will be evacuated two days before the flood is expected to hit the areas.

“The victims can also stay for two more days after the flood ends while their homes are checked for safety purposes,” Shahidan said.

Monsoon drains and rivers will be monitored to ensure they have the capacity to keep rainwater contained. – October 4, 2022.