Fallen trees block Duta ramp, Batu Caves roads shut down

Traffic in Jalan Samudera Utara 1 in Taman Samudra, Batu Caves, was obstructed by fallen trees and a utility pole.

A prolonged storm unleashed chaos across parts of the Klang Valley on Thursday, with fallen trees obstructing key roads and disrupting morning traffic and commutes.

In Kuala Lumpur, traffic was immediately affected on the access ramp to Carco­­sa Seri Negara, from the Duta Tunnel along Jalan Damansara after a large tree collapsed across the left lane.

The Kuala Lumpur Command and Control Centre (KLCCC) swiftly mobilised traffic police, City Hall traffic wardens and its KLC3 Ranger Team to the scene around 9am, according to a KLCCC social media update.

In a separate incident in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, a fallen tree blocked the entrance of a condominium, severely hindering residents trying to leave for work.

(Left) MPKL’s PANTAS Squad was deployed to multiple streets in Kuala Langat to clear fallen trees. (Right)Traffic in Taman Samudra, Batu Caves, was obstructed by fallen trees and a utility pole. — Courtesy photos

“I had to make a U-turn, left my car in the parking lot and called for e-hailing ride instead, which waited at the guard house,” said one resident.

The storm’s impact was equally felt in Selangor.

In Batu Caves, traffic on Jalan Samudera Utara 1 in Taman Samudra was obstructed for almost two hours by fallen trees and a utility pole, according to the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department.

The department deployed five firefighters from the Selayang Fire and Rescue Station after receiving a distress call at 7.56am.

The team cleared the obstruction and restored traffic flow by 9.45 am.

Multiple streets in Kuala Langat, including Jalan Besar Olak Lempit, Jalan Sempadan Kanchong Darat as well as Jalan Suasa and Jalan Suasa 1 in Banting, were also impacted by fallen trees.

Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd said the council’s PANTAS squad was deployed at midnight.

MPKL, with assistance from police, Public Works Department, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Civil Defence, is actively clearing the affected areas to ensure road safety.

The local council is also working with the Drainage and Irrigation Department to prevent blockages from debris.

Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) responded to tree fall reports in six areas, including Bandar Sultan Suleiman and Bandar Bukit Tinggi, between 7am and 9.30am.

Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain confirmed four teams, comprising eight personnel each, were dispatched to clear the wreckage.

MBDK confirmed that its teams remain mobilised to tackle any other fallen tree incidents and monitor flood hotspots if the heavy rain persisted.