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KUALA LUMPUR: Illegal utility pipes installed within the drainage system without the approval of the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) have been found to be among the causes of flash floods in the city center recently.
Edmund Santhara, Deputy Minister for Federal Territories, said that the drainage capacity had been reduced by 30-40% due to various types of utilities installed within the drainage system without permission from DBKL.
He said DBKL would give the utilities 30 days to take action and remedy the situation “and install it properly, but not in the drain.”
Five areas of central Kuala Lumpur suffered flash floods after a downpour on September 10. The locations are Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Raja Alang in Kampung Bharu, Jalan Gurney Kiri, Jalan Semarak, Lorong Ayer Lekeh 5, Taman Ayer Panas, and Jalan San Ah Wing, Kampung Semarak.
Santhara said the instruction to DBKL on the utilities was a short-term measure.
“This is immediate action. As a medium-term measure, the Department of Drainage and Irrigation will excavate and expand the existing drains, ”he said. “A long-term solution will involve many agencies.”
He said last week’s flooding was caused by rivers overflowing, but floodwaters were drastically reduced shortly after the rain stopped.
“It was amazing, but within 30 minutes after it stopped raining, the water went away. That proves that this drainage system works, ”he said. “If the capacity is higher, then it is better and it will not reach the level like that day,” he said.
