The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is ramping up efforts to address the potential threat of flash floods during the north-east monsoon season, which is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall until February next year.
One of the precautionary measures being taken is the installation of water pumps at various locations.
According to a spokesperson for DBKL, these pumps have been placed in flood-prone areas such as the Dato Onn roundabout, Kampung Periuk in Kampung Baru, Jalan Rahmat in Chow Kit, and Kampung Kasipillay, as well as the surrounding areas of Segambut.
These pumps are intended to remove excess stagnant water from these areas to help mitigate the risk of flooding.
In addition to the installation of water pumps, DBKL is also conducting additional maintenance work at retention ponds, rivers, and main drains.
This maintenance work includes desilting, cleaning gross pollutant traps (GPT), and removing vegetation to ensure that these water bodies are functioning efficiently.
Periodic silt dredging works are also being carried out in flood retention ponds according to the current requirements, the spokesperson added.
Workers clearing weed growing along monsoon drains in Kuala Lumpur.
Furthermore, DBKL has installed 44 close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor the water level at Sungai Klang, Sungai Gombak, and Sungai Toba.
The Kuala Lumpur Command and Control Centre (KLCCC) has been tasked with the constant monitoring of river water levels.
Pump houses in Kuala Lumpur have been equipped with warning systems to alert DBKL if the water rises to a critical level.
Some DBKL staff have also received training in boat handling and disaster management, including first-aid in water rescue.
In preparation for emergencies, DBKL has readied logistics equipment such as rescue tenders, water tenders, boats, jet skis, and mobile cranes to provide assistance.
Additionally, the Kuala Lumpur Public Incident Management Committee, headed by Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, has been established to manage any disasters occurring in Kuala Lumpur.
DBKL has identified 35 community halls to serve as temporary relocation centers for flood victims in Kuala Lumpur, including those in Ayer Panas, Kampung Baru, Jinjang Utara, and Batu Muda.
To contact the DBKL operations control room, individuals can call 03-4010 6273 or send a message on Whatsapp to 019-212 0031.
