KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Ministry is looking at implementing an early warning system (EWS) and adding more flood retention ponds to reduce flash floods in the city.
Its minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said an EWS could aid districts in the federal capital, especially those in the red zone or those with high flood probability to prepare, carry out evacuation and set up relief camps.
"Some are against the idea of an EWS, questioning its effectiveness. Having an EWS in place does not mean floods will not occur.
"It will happen. If for instance, we have continuous rainfall of more than 60mm for two straight hours, it could cause the river to swell leading to flooding and the roads may be underwater.
"Similar to an earthquake warning system in other countries, an EWS will prepare the public, particularly those in the 50 flooding hotspots.
"Alerts will be sent out based on weather predictions and rainfall amount (which could be predicted a day before). People could then avoid certain roads, for instance," he said during a press conference after a tree-planting event at Bukit Kiara Public Park, here, today.
Annuar said the ministry is also looking into the Department of Irrigation and Drainage's suggestion of adding more flood retention ponds in the city.
These suggestions, he said, were among the proposed measures that the ministry and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) were studying with the relevant government agencies and ministries, including the Environment and Water Ministry.
"We need to study this in detail. I do not want to see a reactionary response (only act when the flood happens) but a comprehensive and effective plan to be put in place.
"Damages caused by the floods ravaging parts of the city cost us a huge amount, which is better spent on putting in place flood mitigation measures.
"We do not have an estimated loss for the recent flash flood episode, but more than 400 people from 115 families had to be relocated from Kampung Periuk and they will receive some aid soon."
Annuar also said he was awaiting a comprehensive report on the SMART Tunnel's operations and functionality.
"Some people have questioned if the SMART Tunnel was working properly during the floods last week. I need to get more details on this."
He also said clogged drainage system could have been a source of the problem and the local authorities would step up enforcement, especially around construction sites.
"There are plenty of development activities in the city, including MRT, tunnelling and apartment construction.
"DBKL is strict with offenders, but it is hard to enforce and people still pollute the environment.
"We will enhance monitoring and if there are repeat offenders, we could review existing laws to increase the punishment (for illegal dumping or clogging drains)."
Meanwhile, he said close to RM5 million has been allocated to upgrade and beautify Taman Awam Rimba Kiara.
He added that the 13.3-acre park received an additional four-acre contribution from Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan, and is now at 17.3 acres in size.