IPOH: Several flash flood-prone areas across Perak have been identified ahead of the upcoming Northeast Monsoon, says Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
Among the affected districts are Kerian, Kinta, Muallim and Manjung, he said.
The state Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Transport Committee chairman said these areas are often hit by flash floods during continuous heavy rainfall, especially when sea levels are high.
“This situation causes water to stagnate on major roads, causing temporary road closures.
“However, road closures usually last only a few hours or at most two days, before the water recedes,” he told reporters after attending a Northeast Monsoon preparedness programme organised by the Public
Works Department, on the FT001 Ipoh-Tanjung Malim road on Thursday (Nov 13).
The department’s director, Zamri Mat Kasim and Simpang Pulai assemblywoman Wong Chai Yi were also present at the event.
The Northeast Monsoon season was expected to begin on Nov 13 and continue until March 2026,
Nizar said that even short-term floods, which are common in Perak, can cause significant distress and damage to homes.
He added that leading up to the monsoon season, drain cleaning programmes were being held.
"Technically, most flash flood issues in urban areas stem from drains and drainage systems that fail to function properly due to accumulated waste and debris," he said.
Nizar stated that the department, through its appointed concessionaires, has been conducting routine maintenance works, including drain cleaning and emergency response operations.
In residential and commercial areas, Nizar suggests that local property owners or management should take responsibility for maintaining the drains in front of their properties.
He believes this would encourage a shared culture of drain maintenance, rather than relying solely on the government.
