KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance for a Safe Community has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Kuala Lumpur’s drainage and flood mitigation systems to address recurring flash floods after just an hour or slightly more of heavy rain.
Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was unacceptable for the national capital to continue experiencing floods during intense rainfall, disrupting traffic, damaging properties, affecting businesses and putting lives at risk.
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“The problem calls for more than temporary solutions or emergency drain-clearing exercises. Kuala Lumpur needs a comprehensive and sustained overhaul of its drainage and flood mitigation systems,” he said in a statement today.
Lee said heavy rainfall and changing weather patterns were contributing factors, but the city’s drainage weaknesses, inadequate maintenance, clogged drains, accumulated silt and irresponsible construction activities also had to be addressed.
His first proposal was to audit and upgrade the entire drainage network and review and effectively implement the Kuala Lumpur Urban Drainage Master Plan. He also said ageing, undersized and inadequate drains should be upgraded to cope with heavier rainfall and rapid urban development.
Secondly, Lee called for stronger regular maintenance and cleaning of drains, rivers and waterways through systematic rubbish removal and desilting to ensure unobstructed water flow.
He also proposed stricter enforcement of construction and development requirements, with developers and contractors required to install and maintain adequate silt traps, sediment-control measures and proper drainage systems.
“Those who disregard these requirements must face substantial penalties, including stop-work orders where necessary. In addition, invest in more flood retention ponds, underground stormwater storage facilities, detention tanks and pumping stations,” he said.
Lee also advocated adopting the Sponge City concept through the preservation of green spaces, increased use of permeable surfaces and the incorporation of sustainable urban drainage solutions into new developments.
As his sixth measure, he called for stronger coordination and accountability among all relevant agencies, with clear targets, timelines and regular public reporting. He also called for stronger early warning and emergency response systems, as well as public funding to address the underlying causes.
“Flash floods should not become an accepted feature of life in Kuala Lumpur. The time for decisive, coordinated and lasting action is now,” he said.
