[UPDATED] Five routes in KL closed, traffic diverted due to floods

KUALA LUMPUR – Five routes in the city centre are still closed and traffic diverted as of 1pm today due to the floods that have hit the capital since yesterday.

Bernama reported Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) chief Sarifudin Mohd Salleh as saying that the closed routes were Jalan Tuanku Sultan Abdul Halim, Jalan Rahmat, Jalan Sentul Manis, Jalan Pahang Barat, and the Smart Tunnel.

According to him, cleaning works were being actively carried out and commuters are advised to use Jalan Tun Razak to head to the city centre.

“Road users are advised to avoid the affected routes and to comply with the instructions of personnel on duty to ensure traffic is always smooth and under control.

“For enquiries and information, the public can contact the Jalan Tun H.S. Lee traffic police station at 03-2071-9999, the Kuala Lumpur JSPT hotline at 03-2026-0267/69, or any nearest police station,” he said in a statement today.

Continuous rain over the past two days caused most of the main roads around the city centre to be inundated since late last night.

Among the places that were flooded due to Sg Gombak overflowing were Dataran Merdeka and most parts of the Sultan Abdul Samad building and Jalan Raja here.

Shah Alam toll plaza still down

Meanwhile on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), the Shah Alam toll plaza and interchange is still closed following the flash floods that occurred yesterday.

At press time, traffic is still being diverted to the Subang Interchange and Seafield Interchange, PLUS Malaysia Bhd spokesman Nazren Fauzi said in a statement.

She advised road users intending to drive through these locations to postpone their plans until further notice is given, or search for alternative routes.

The latest traffic updates will be posted on the PLUS website, its social media pages such as Twitter PLUSTrafik and PLUS Malaysia Facebook, as well as its PLUS App.

Nazren said the highway operator has coordinated efforts with police to rescue and provide assistance to victims since 7am today.

The Fire and Rescue Department managed to reach more than 226 victims safely and place them at secure locations along the highway, including at its headquarters, Persada PLUS. – The Vibes, December 19, 2021