THE authorities must listen to Kuala Lumpur folk calling for flood mitigation plans for the monsoon season, lawmakers said.

They said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) must engage with the people on the steps being taken to prevent flooding.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said Federal Territories Minister Shahidan Kassim must inform the people of what DBKL was doing about frequent inundations.

“Right now we only see hotspots and some temporary measures being taken. But, there must be more than that. It’s the people’s money so they need to know what measures are being taken.

“The issue of flooding should not be (so bad that) people have to take legal action,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

On Wednesday, lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan along with seven city residents told DBKL it had five days to furnish city folk with its flood mitigation plans for the monsoon season or face legal action.

The residents’ lawyer Lim Wei Jiet had sent a letter of demand to Shahidan and Mayor Mahadi Che Ngah on Monday.

They sought information from DBKL on whether there were sufficient plans to tackle floods if they occur during the monsoon season.

Fahmi said there needs to be more transparency and engagement with the people.

“The call from the eight people who want answers echoes that of KL MPs. We have raised the issue in parliament numerous times for the government to provide details on flood mitigation plans.”

Fahmi said more people should step forward to demand answers.

“People must understand that KL ratepayers are funding DBKL. The voices of everyone living and working in KL should be heard.

“What we need to know is whether it (DBKL) is going to answer the group that is pressuring them or answer MPs in parliament.”

He added that questions on flood mitigation plans have been submitted to parliament for when the session starts in October.

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said more people and civil society groups should take legal action.

“I’m glad to see the rise of citizen power. The authorities need to be reminded that they are paid by the people. They owe the people, the people don’t owe them.”

Lim said that lawmakers have been calling for flood prevention plans to no avail.

“Where are the flood hotspots? Who are the contractors and what measures have been taken? We are in the dark.

“DBKL and the FT Ministry have never spoken with the opposition MPs about any flood mitigation plans.

“My colleagues and I shall demand answers from Shahidan in parliament next month.”

Save Kuala Lumpur chairman M. Ali said legal action is long overdue.

“This is a good start and a positive sign. People should start looking at it proactively because we have been suffering in silence.

“We fully support the move. We hope that this group will connect with the residents’ associations. Many RAs will come forward in support. – September 24, 2022.