KL Boosts Drain Cleaning and Flood Prevention Measures as Heavy Rain Approaches

Kuala Lumpur is stepping up drainage inspections and cleaning operations ahead of the rainy season to reduce the risk of flash floods, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said. She stressed that checks must be carried out even during dry weather to ensure drains are properly maintained and water can flow freely. Yeoh warned that roads appearing clean do not necessarily indicate that underground or roadside drainage systems are functioning well, as blockages may go unnoticed until heavy rainfall occurs.

City Hall Targets Further Reduction in Flash Flood Hotspots

Yeoh said parliamentary branch offices had activated patrol teams to identify flood-prone locations and submit updates to the Kuala Lumpur mayor. The number of flash flood hotspots in the capital has fallen from 30 to 14 over the past three years, with authorities aiming to reduce it further to 10. Cleaning and desilting work along Sungai Toba has also increased from twice to six times annually.

She added that changing weather patterns and unusually heavy rainfall require stronger preparedness and a review of existing procedures. Yeoh also called for a “sponge city” approach, preserving green and open spaces to absorb rainwater, while warning against excessive development on hillsides. She said natural drainage capacity must be protected rather than replaced with concrete.

Kuala Lumpur is increasing drainage inspections and maintenance as authorities target a further reduction in flash flood hotspots.

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