A DBKL worker clearing the drain of debris following flash floods in several areas in the city on Monday.
IN the wake of flash floods across the capital city, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is rolling out a series of measures aimed at reducing risk in future.
According to DBKL, flood mitigation measures would be carried out in several areas of Kuala Lumpur including upgrading of drainage systems and water outlets in the affected areas.
Regular silt dredging will also be carried out to ensure smooth drainage flow.
“Further investigations are being conducted in collaboration with the relevant departments and agencies to identify additional contributing factors, such as soil or mud flow from hilly areas.
“DBKL remains committed to improving the efficiency of the city’s drainage system through the ongoing implementation of the Medium-Term Flood Mitigation Programme,” it said in a statement.
This follows flash floods in the city on Monday at several areas, including Jalan Sultan (Petaling Street), the slip road from Jalan Travers to Jalan Damansara, Jalan Kuching and Jalan Segambut.
“The main cause of the incident was identified as a high rate of surface runoff within a short period.
“This was compounded by the existing drainage system reaching its maximum capacity.
“River overflow also triggered the automatic closure of flap gates to prevent river water from entering the surrounding drainage system.
“Immediate action was taken by DBKL’s appointed contractors to clear drains of debris, dry leaves, sand and silt,” it said, adding that continuous monitoring was also being carried out via the CCTV system.
DBKL said as a result of this swift response, water in all affected locations receded within 30 to 40 minutes, with no injuries or serious damage reported.
“We urge all city residents to refrain from disposing of waste into drains and to promptly report any drainage blockages to DBKL for immediate action,” it added.
In Parliament last year, it was reported that two of the 14 flood-mitigation projects in the city, to deal with the flash floods, had been completed.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said seven flood mitigation projects were completed in 2022 and 2023.
She added that from 2025 to 2027, four more projects were being planned to enhance flood resilience in Kuala Lumpur.
