by SHAFIQQUL ALIFF / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE government should not use heavy rainfall as an excuse for flash floods in Klang Valley, considering it has not changed its mitigation strategy, says Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh.

Hannah stated that the need to find a solution to the flood problem in Kuala Lumpur was becoming more critical where property damage was estimated at millions every time a flood occurred around Kuala Lumpur

“This is a disaster every time it rains in Kuala Lumpur and the need to find a solution to the flood problem in Kuala Lumpur is becoming more critical.

“Every time it happens, property damage is estimated in the millions and the reason for high rainfall can no longer be used if the Government’s modus operandi remains unchanged,” she said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man explained that the flood that occurred in Kuala Lumpur was a flash flood due to heavy rain that occurred in less than six (6) hours.

This caused the existing drainage system to not be able to accommodate the water flow in the high surface, he said.

Heavy rain yesterday afternoon ahead of the busy afternoon hours caused widespread flooding in various parts of Kuala Lumpur and congestion around Jalan Kuching, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, and Jalan Semantan.

Meanwhile, Yeoh also urged Putrajaya to provide residents in the national capital hit by yesterday’s flash floods with at least RM1,000 cash assistance each as many residents were submerged in water as deep as 2 feet during her visitation

“Many residents had to throw away mattresses and furniture and there were also students who suffered damage to books and school bags as well as vehicles were also damaged due to flooding.

“As Hari Raya approaches and preparations to celebrate this festival have been severely affected, I urge the prime minister and Federal Territories minister to immediately approve cash aid of at least RM1,000 for those affected,” she stated.