Alam Flora workers using a vacuum truck and water jet to clear a badly clogged drain in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. — Filepic
SOLID Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) is intensifying its fight against unauthorised drain modifications, despite lacking direct enforcement power.
Partnering with local authorities and utilising its concession company Alam Flora to identify obstructions, SWCorp is working to address the issue within the constraints of Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), said its chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed.
Under the Act, SWCorp has no authority to take direct action against businesses or homeowners who alter public drains without approval.
He said these findings would be reported to local authorities for action under Sections 46 and 70 of Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), which address structural violations and obstructions in public spaces.
“Local authorities such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) have the jurisdiction to take corrective action against premises that alter public drains without approval,” he said in writing to StarMetro.
SWCorp was responding to StarMetro’s report “Draining work” on Feb 21, 2025, that highlighted the difficulties Alam Flora’s cleaning crew faced when cleaning drains in the city.
In addition to reporting violations, Khalid said SWCorp collaborated with DBKL to analyse structural issues caused by drain modifications, and proposed solutions to improve water flow and prevent blockages.
“The agency also provides recommendations on proper drainage infrastructure to minimise disruptions to the city’s flood management system,” he said.
Khalid added that spots like those around Pasar Besar Kepong and Brickfields commercial area were critical locations where SWCorp had advised DBKL on appropriate drain structures and proper drainage methods to prevent waste accumulation and flooding.
To help reduce of incidents of illegally modified drains, SWCorp has made efforts to raise awareness about maintaining the drainage system to prevent flooding and cleaning difficulties.
“We have conducted awareness campaigns for commercial and residential property owners about the negative impacts of covering public drains on cleaning efforts and flood prevention.
“SWCorp in collaboration with local authorities have taken action to demolish unauthorised structures covering drains and public pathways, and urge property owners not to cover drains without permission,” he said.
Besides illegal drain modifications, Khalid said SWCorp would also address improper disposal of fat, oil and grease which also contributed to blocked drains.
“Under the National Cleanliness Policy, agencies under Housing and Local Government Ministry oversee and monitor waste oil management in food and commercial premises to address issues related to oil and grease disposal into drains.
“These efforts focus on ensuring the installation, cleaning and maintenance of grease traps regularly,” Khalid said.
He added the agency emphasised the need to educate residents, businesses and restaurants on the dangers of dumping oil and grease into drains.
