Non-stop rain causes flash floods to hit Klang

KUALA LUMPUR – Continuous heavy rain for a few hours since about 3pm today caused several areas in Klang to be inundated.  

Speaking to The Vibes, Klang MP Charles Santiago said among the areas affected are Taman Bayu Perdana, Taman Chi Liung and Taman Sri Pelabuhan.  

Santiago, who went on the ground after receiving multiple reports of flooding, observed that the flood water was stagnant, indicating that there are drains in the area which are clogged with rubbish and debris. 

“My councillor spoke to the officers looking at the flood gates and it was observed that the flood water is not flowing. 

“There is a major block somewhere which is not allowing the water to flow and that is why the water is quite stagnant,” he told The Vibes. 

The DAP lawmaker said the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and KDEB Waste Management officers are already on the ground to assess the situation and locate the exact location of the blockage.  

However, he took MPK to task for being lackadaisical with the flooding situation in Klang, saying “They lack ‘sense of urgency’ and always come up with excuses.” 

“I have written so many letters and have spoken to MPK officers during the many meetings we have, asking them to do something.

“The stagnant water indicates that there are blockages somewhere and it comes down to poor maintenance. MPK always says they will look into it.”

As the rain started pouring again in the royal town, Santiago expressed concerns that the flooding situation would worsen.  

“The Irrigation and Drainage Department has been informed and we just have to keep our fingers crossed.”

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several states and localities in the western half of Peninsular. 

Released at 5.55pm today, MetMalaysia predicted heavy rains and thunderstorms for Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya. Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. 

Other areas which are also affected include Kuala Krai and Gua Musang in Kelantan, Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran and Bera) and Johor (Tangkak, Segamat and Muar. 

The weather pattern in these states and localities, the agency said, will likely last until around 9pm tonight. – The Vibes, June 11, 2022