'Klang flash floods due to heavy rain and blocked drainage'

KUALA LUMPUR: The serious flash floods in Klang was caused by excessive rain and poor drainage, not because the Klang River bursting its banks.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri said the flash floods were caused by massive water displacement and water runoff due to poorly maintained or blocked drainage.

"The May 15 flooding was not due to water overflowing the Klang River.

"It was due to excessive rain of up to 52mm in Telok Gedong, for example," he said when replying a question by Charles Santiago (DAP-Klang) at the Dewan Rakyat's Special Chambers here Monday.

He said clogged drains prevented excess water from being channeled into the rivers.

Hamim said the Drainage and Irrigation Department is willing to assist the Selangor government's internal audit to determine the actual cause of the flash floods.

"It's a state internal audit and we will be willing to assist if invited," he added.

He reminded local authorities that they are responsible to ensure that development projects do not cause flash and mud floods due to poor drainage.

Earlier, Santiago said the flash floods had inundated a large part of Klang and even Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah.

He added that Klang had been hit by flooding twice earlier this month, causing hardship and economic losses.