KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 25 flood hotspots have been identified here, says city police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim.
He said the locations were identified by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
"The number of hotspots will increase in the event of flash floods," he told reporters after witnessing a flood simulation exercise at Kampung Periuk, SMK Puteri Wilayah and Dewan Sultan Sulaiman here on Saturday (Dec 10).
Comm Azmi hoped that the basic infrastructure could be improved to prevent flash floods in the city.
"We hope the relevant agencies could work together in upgrading infrastructure and conducting activities such as clearing up clogged drains. In the event of flash floods, police personnel will also assist in taking fast action to ensure a smooth water flow on KL roads," he added.
Comm Azmi said that the police are also working closely with other agencies such as DBKL to relay information to the public in the event of floods.
On the flood simulation exercise, Comm Azmi said 350 personnel from 23 agencies were involved in the exercise.
"The objective of the exercise was to test the effectiveness of all agencies in responding to natural disaster situations especially floods,” he said
"As we know, floods often occur in the city this month and the next thus enhancing cooperation among the relevant agencies is important," added Comm Azmi.
He also said that the exercise tested the level of preparedness of each agency.
"We wanted to see the preparedness in terms of assets, training and the quality of assistance given to flood victims. The level of preparedness is satisfying but there is still room for improvement," he said.
Among others who attended the exercise were Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah and Federal Territory Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Rosida Jaafar.
