PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 — Spot checks on drainage systems and cleaning works in Kuala Lumpur are being stepped up to keep drains clear and reduce the risk of flash floods, especially during the rainy season.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said these checks must be carried out thoroughly, including during the dry season, to ensure cleaning works are done properly and drainage systems function well.

She said clean-looking roads do not necessarily mean the drainage system is in good condition, as drains may be blocked without anyone noticing.

“That is why, before the rainy season, during the dry season, we have already reminded them... we must carry out spot checks,” she told reporters after launching the Community-Based Eco Recycling Hub (COB3R) at Presint 9 here today.

Hannah said each parliamentary branch office has also activated teams to conduct patrols and channel the latest reports on flash flood-prone areas to the Kuala Lumpur mayor.

She said active monitoring is crucial to ensure flash flood hotspots, which were successfully reduced from 30 to 14 over the past three years, do not rise again.

“The goal for Kuala Lumpur is to bring it down further to 10,” she added.

Hannah also said the frequency of cleaning and desilting works on Sungai Toba has increased from twice to six times a year as part of efforts to reduce the risk of flash floods.

She said changing weather patterns and extraordinary heavy rainfall require the authorities to reassess existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and improve disaster preparedness.

“With the current weather, the current rain, we cannot use ordinary SOPs. We must be prepared,” she said, adding that Kuala Lumpur’s development planning must also adopt the sponge city approach by preserving open and green spaces to help absorb rainwater.

She said development in hilly areas must be strictly controlled to ensure the area’s natural capacity to hold rainwater is not compromised.

“You cannot replace this green space with concrete. The water needs a place to go,” she said. — Bernama