SHAH ALAM - Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif has instructed regular dredging and drain cleaning efforts to continue until the end of the year as part of the city flood prevention strategy.
This comes in response to flash floods that have heavily affected several areas in the city centre, yesterday (Tuesday) especially roadways.
She said instructions were given to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) and Alam Flora Sdn Bhd to clean the clogged areas due to fallen leaves and rubbish, among others.
"We need more time to do dredging, which is the process of digging and getting rid of sand.
"I gave the instructions to the responsible parties yesterday and they have to continue until the end of the year. We have to do it more often," she said when contacted.
She said the authorities were also intensifying their focus on flood-prone hotspots to prevent further issues.
She said two pumps have been deployed to help remove floodwater from the streets, particularly in areas where drains were unable to handle the excess rain.
"My colleagues on the ground reported that the roadside areas were the most affected by the flood.
"The drain cannot afford to sustain the extra rainwater, that is why it entered the roadside and flooded," she said.
Yesterday's rainfall readings at the city centre exceeded 114mm per hour, which was 54mm higher than the norm usual.
Several roads in the city were inundated following a downpour from about 9am.