KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Flash floods have become a norm for traders and business owners along Jalan Sultan. 

When heavy rain start to fall, they brace themselves for the impending floods and can do nothing until the waters subside.

One such flooding was last Wednesday where waters rose swiftly causing floods in several areas within the city centre.

Alex Ng, who owns a mobile phone shop said that it was the first time in eight years since he had seen soil clogging the drains along Jalan Sultan.

Ng said loose soil from the Warisan Merdeka (KL118 Tower) construction site located on a hill, could be seen flowing with rainwater.

“After the rain stopped, there was flooding in front of my shop but this time I saw soil clogging up the drain that has never been clogged even during downpour,” the 32-year-old said.

Ng said the KL118 Tower developers should take responsibility to ensure that the loose soil from the construction site were contained.

The flood was believed to have been caused by downpour coupled with soil movements from the KL118 Tower project site along Jalan Hang Jebat.

The Jalan Hang Jebat is an uphill area while Jalan Sultan is located at the bottom of the slope.

The KL118 Tower project is believed to be the cause of flood along Jalan Sultan last week.

The KL118 Tower project is believed to be the cause of flood along Jalan Sultan last week.

Ng said clogged up drains also contributed to the flooding problem in the city.

“The drains are clogged with rubbish and when you add loose soil, it becomes a bigger problem,” he said.

“My business was affected because no one wanted to come to the area.”

Malay Mail reported that two construction sites were identified as a contributing factor to the flash floods within the city.

The developers were compounded RM50,000 each by City Hall.

The KL118 Tower was fined for not maintaining its sediment basin while the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre faced problems with its interceptor and cut off drains.

Wildlife Zoological Supplies Sdn Bhd owner, Lilian Looi, also echoed similar sentiment.

“I do see Alam Flora workers coming in the area to unclog the drains but what is the use when people keep throwing rubbish in it?” she asked.

Looi said the drainage system needed to be upgraded to cater to the increase in business operations within the city.

“The drains are small because they were built long ago. Most drains in the city are located next to big buildings. Kuala Lumpur City Hall must ensure that developers and building owners play their part by constructing bigger drains whenever new development projects take place. City Hall must enforce this,” she said.

Looi said the people need to play their part by not throwing rubbish in the drains.

“I have been operating here for 35 years. Every year is the same thing — water gushes out from the drains and level up with the road,” she said.

Drinks stall operator Tong Teok Thoy said his business was badly affected by the flood.

“There was no one in the area on Wednesday. I barely made RM50 that day,” he said.

Tong said he considered the floods as a normality and he had come to terms with it.

“I will close my stall when the water level rises and it is a waste of time to operate when there are no people in the area,” said the 70-year-old.