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THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has placed 370 personnel on standby as the capital braces for the effects of the ongoing monsoon season and a tropical storm system flagged by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said authorities have identified 15 locations in Kuala Lumpur that are particularly susceptible to flooding, all of which are now under continuous monitoring.
“In this period of unpredictable weather, we cannot compromise on public safety,” she said in a Facebook statement, following a briefing from DBKL on its readiness measures.
Dr Zaliha later inspected two high-risk sites: a recent ground-settlement area along Jalan Masjid India and a landslip location in Taman United.
“At Jalan Masjid India, I reviewed the ground settlement that occurred recently. I have directed DBKL to conduct a detailed study to prevent a recurrence and to ensure the area remains safe,” she said.
Her visit to Taman United focused on the landslide triggered by heavy rain two weeks earlier.
“Alhamdulillah, immediate action has been taken, including the evacuation of 52 high-risk housing units, and repair works are expected to be completed before the end of December,” she noted.
The Minister urged DBKL and related agencies to act swiftly, coordinate closely and maintain clear communication with affected residents.
In a separate development, DBKL confirmed its readiness to provide transit housing for residents of Pangsapuri Taman United, Seputeh, who were forced to leave their homes after a retaining-wall failure on Monday.
Dr Zaliha said assessments are underway to determine how many residents require temporary accommodation.
“DBKL will identify how many residents need assistance and how many transit units are available. However, residents cannot choose the transit houses as they may not be located within the same area,” she said during her visit to the site.
While some residents have been placed in temporary relief centres, others are staying with relatives. Engineers have already begun a soil-stability assessment to guide the next phase of repair works.
“Construction of a sandbag barrier has been carried out to prevent water from entering the lower-ground units of Block C,” Dr Zaliha explained. “Additionally, cleaning of the ‘weep holes’ in the retaining wall is underway to ensure no water becomes trapped behind the structure, and drains around Blocks B and C are being cleared to maintain smooth water flow and prevent pooling.”