KUALA LUMPUR is likely to face more flash floods in the coming weeks with the approach of a period of heavier monsoon rain.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic) said this was due to the current tropical monsoon, bringing rainfall exceeding average levels of around 80mm.
Recent downpours recorded 116mm rain in a day, with projections of up to 120mm, which could lead to inundations like the one in the city on Dec 4.
The flash flood followed a one-hour downpour and affected several roads including Jalan Sentul Pasar, Jalan Batu Bata, Jalan Haji Salleh, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah as well as parts of the city centre around Bulatan Pahang and Jalan Tun Razak.
Dr Zaliha said Kuala Lumpur had 15 identified flood hotspots, and several mitigation measures had been activated to reduce the risk of sudden flooding.
“We have installed sirens to alert residents when water levels reach a critical point.
“This will help residents take the necessary precautions,” she said.
Dr Zaliha added that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would work with other agencies, including the Malaysian Meteorological Department and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), to strengthen flood preparedness.
She said 370 DBKL personnel were on standby for monsoon-related emergencies.
“We will also cooperate with Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry to ensure desilting works are carried out by DID at the hotspots,” she said during a key handover ceremony to homeowners of Residensi Akasia Jubilee, off Jalan Loke Yew.
Dr Zaliha congratulated UDA Holdings and DBKL on completing the 494-unit Residensi Akasia Jubilee, calling it an example of government-supported urban housing guided by social equity rather than profit.
The 38-floor development is part of the Federal Government’s Residensi Wilayah affordable housing initiative.
