KUALA LUMPUR: Flash floods hit Kuala Lumpur this morning, causing major traffic disruptions across at least 13 roads in the city creating severe congestion and inconvenience for people.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said even members of parliament faced delays in attending the Parliament meeting as many roads were flooded by flash floods, preventing several MPs from reaching the building on time.
Lee urged the authorities to take drastic action to improve the drainage system in Kuala Lumpur to address the frequent occurrence of flash floods.
"Ongoing development activities in and around Kuala Lumpur have overtaken the capacity of the drainage system, causing problems that have lasted for many years. Heavy rainfall of just one to two hours can lead to flash floods on many roads.
"This serves as a wake-up call for the government, particularly with the upcoming budget presentation that is going to be tabled," he said.
He added the government should consider increasing the budget allocation for improving Kuala Lumpur's drainage system to address the issue. Lee said the authorities should not always blame nature for the floods.
"Each time flooding occurs, it's often linked to heavy rain, but the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecasted a rainy season with expected rainfall."
Le added that while rain and climate change play a role, the authorities also need to prepare and tackle these problems.
He added the need to create development plans to improve Kuala Lumpur's drainage system, which may need a special budget.
"I truly hope action will be taken after this major problem, which has been an ongoing issue, not just this morning but for quite some time," he said.