PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 — Spot checks on drainage systems and cleaning works in Kuala Lumpur are being stepped up to keep drains clear and reduce flash floods, especially during the rainy season.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said these checks must be carried out thoroughly, including during the dry season, to ensure cleaning works are done properly and drainage systems function well.
Clean-looking roads do not necessarily mean the drainage system is in good condition, as drains may be blocked without anyone noticing.
"That is why, before the rainy season, during the dry season, we have already reminded them...we must carry out spot checks," she told the media after launching the Community-Based Eco Recycling Hub at Presint 9 today.
Yeoh added that each Parliamentary branch office has also activated teams to conduct patrols and channel the latest reports on flash flood-prone areas to the Kuala Lumpur Mayor.
Active monitoring is crucial to ensure flash flood hotspots, which fell from 30 to 14 over the past three years, do not rise again.
"The goal for Kuala Lumpur is to bring it down further to 10," she said.
The frequency of cleaning and desilting works on Sungai Gombak has increased from twice to six times a year as part of efforts to reduce the risk of flash floods.
Yeoh said changing weather patterns and extraordinary heavy rainfall require the authorities to reassess existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and improve disaster preparedness.
"With the current weather, the current rain, we cannot use ordinary SOPs. We must be prepared," she said, noting that Kuala Lumpur's development planning must also adopt the sponge city approach by preserving open and green spaces to help absorb rainwater.
Development in hilly areas must be strictly controlled to ensure the area's natural capacity to hold rainwater is not compromised.
"You cannot replace this green space with concrete. The water needs a place to go," Yeoh said.
