KUALA LUMPUR: The public have been advised against travelling to Shah Alam and Klang as floodwaters continue to rise, bringing vehicles to a standstill and leaving many stranded.
Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) said among the flood-affected areas were Kampung Bukit Naga, Kemuning Utama, Kampung Air Kuning and Section 25.
"Residents have been urged to be careful and prepared if instructed to move to flood evacuation centres in the city.
"The public can contact the MBSA Quick Team at 03-55105811 in the event of disasters such as landslides, floods and so on," it shared on Facebook.
Other badly-hit areas were Sections 22 and 13 where some roads were covered in floodwaters and vehicles were unable to move, leaving people stranded in their cars.
In Section 13, vehicles at a condominium basement car park were almost completely submerged in floodwaters.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei who surveyed the situation on the ground advised residents to be extra careful when behind the wheel, especially since some roads have potholes and drivers are unable to determine how deep they are when covered with water.
"Continuous heavy rain is expected until tomorrow. Please avoid going towards Shah Alam and Klang as well as near large bodies of water including monsoon drains," she tweeted.
Floodwaters started rising in the Shah Alam area about 9pm on Friday and reportedly entered several houses in Taman Sri Muda, Kota Kemuning and even on the Kesas Highway towards Klang.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said up until now, 33 temporary evacuation centres have been set up in three districts, namely Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang.
"The state government is mobilising all the relevant agencies along with the cooperation from the local and district councils to evacuate the victims and provide immediate emergency assistance," he posted on Twitter.
Meanwhile, MBSA said Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Zamani Ahmad Mansor together with MBSA's Quick team (Pantas) were on the move to the affected locations to send aid.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, rain is expected to continue until tomorrow, but the possibility of floods will worsen due to the high tide at 5pm in Port Klang.
Yesterday, 20 areas in Klang were struck by flash floods following continuous heavy rain. Telok Gong was among the worst affected by floods, which had reached up to waist level.
Other flood affected areas are Pulau Indah, Pandamaran, Bandar Botanik, Telok Gadong, Bandar Sultan Suleiman and Bukit Tinggi.
Klang member of parliament Charles Santiago said this was the worst floods in Klang in 50 years and called for the government to look at core issues that can help mitigate these floods, which he said had brought about untold suffering and destruction of properties.
"The Works Ministry, without any further delay, must allocate RM10 million to clear the drains in Klang and about RM50 million to repair pot holes and improve drainage.
"People's lives and well-being are important. They cannot be left to contend with flash floods and their consequences such as water-borne diseases.
"And definitely not at a time when we are struggling to contain the Covid-19 pandemic," he wrote on Facebook.
Klang and Shah Alam residents can contact the Disaster Operations Room at 03-55447324, 03-55222787, or 03- 33239554.