KUALA Lumpur folk want to be informed about the authorities’ plans to tackle possible flash floods during the monsoon, residents’ groups said.

They said it was crucial that Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) flood mitigation plans be made public for the peace of mind of all residents.

Save Kuala Lumpur chairman M. Ali said DBKL was still not proactive enough in handling this matter, leaving city dwellers worried about the rainy season.

“DBKL must announce its mitigation plans. It must inform the people about the flood-prone areas in the city.

“Provide information to the residents on what machinery is in place to tackle the floods,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Ali said there must also be action plans to clear fallen trees, submerged cars and clogged drains.

“DBKL must also provide its mid- and long-term flood mitigation plans.”

Last year, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said DBKL had identified 25 flash flood hotspots in the capital in an effort to overcome the annual flood problem.

He said DBKL had been told to give special attention to flood mitigation projects and drainage system maintenance works.

The monsoon season is expected to begin in November and continue until March.

In recent years, the capital city has endured a series of severe floods, which experts said were the result of overdevelopment, deforestation and climate change.

In December 2021, Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Klang saw major floods, which killed 27 people and left thousands affected.

Ali said there should also be sufficient emergency squads on standby and, if possible, in every constituency.

“These are some measures that are more effective,” he said.

“DBKL also needs to work closely with the local communities and find out the problems they are facing.”

‘Clear the drains’

Ali also questioned if DBKL is monitoring the ongoing massive construction works in the city.

“Who is monitoring them? Are the contractors doing their jobs in a proper manner?

“We are concerned about construction debris getting washed into the drains (during floods).

“Unchecked sites also contribute to flash floods. For example, with 20 minutes of heavy rain, water starts rising at various stretches of Jalan Maarof in Bangsar. Why is this happening?” he asked.

Ali also urged Kuala Lumpur lawmakers to get ready the machinery and flood prevention measures.

Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman S.K.K. Naidu said DBKL should inform the public about its flood mitigation plans.

“It should start cleaning the drainage system now. Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said.

“Last year, Church of Our Lady of Fatima and La Salle Brickfields school were badly affected by the floods as the drains were clogged.”

He said DBKL must continue to monitor the flood pumps along Sungai Klang to ensure they are working well.

“It must also give frequent updates on its flood mitigation plans for the safety of residents,” he said. – September 23, 2023.