Lam Thye: KL's drainage system must be urgently reviewed

Vehicles submerged and parts of the city inundated with flood water yesterday after hours torrential downpour. - NSTP/HAZREEN MOHAMAD.

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent flash flood is a signal that the city's entire drainage system must be urgently reviewed.

Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the muddy confluence, which Kuala Lumpur is named after, burst its banks because the drainage system was unable to handle the heavy downpour.

"Yesterday's floods in Kuala Lumpur have washed up issues that need the urgent attention of the authorities. While we observe the rains, we must also look at the drains.

"The authorities should have been more prepared to handle the effects of heavy storms especially during this time when we experience the effects of the southeast monsoon from May till September," he said in a statement today.

Lee, who is a former Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) advisory board member, said DBKL should allocate more money and resources for drainage improvement at sites that are being developed for high-rise buildings and housing and infrastructure projects.

"It's time to act. We should stop blaming nature and give the excuse that the flooding is caused by unusually heavy rains.

"Clogged drains are a perennial problem. Maintenance of these drains is very unsatisfactory. Poor silt traps in construction sites cause mud and construction debris to flow into the public drains thus choking it beyond its capacity to drain the excess water quickly.

"Frequent checks must be made at all construction sites to ensure public drains adjoining the sites are not clogged," he said.

While highlighting the importance of public education, he reminded rakyat and owners of factories to be more responsible and not dump their rubbish into the rivers.

"Flood mitigation is not only the responsibility of the authorities. All of us must also play our part. We should stop the blame game and play the role of responsible citizens."

He also suggested heavy penalties be imposed against illegal dumping offenders.

Vehicles submerged and parts of the city inundated with flood water yesterday after hours torrential downpour.

Among the worst-affected areas were Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Campbell, the Ampang highway (near Bank Simpanan Nasional) and the Wangsa Maju LRT station. - NST