Home TA Online Averting disastrous flooding demands efficiency

Averting disastrous flooding demands efficiency

The routine cleaning and repairing of drains is something many of us have not seen for a long time

Massive Klang Valley floods 2021

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The Ministry of Local Government Development has told local authorities to monitor and improve public infrastructure in flood-prone areas. 

All heads and officers responsible for maintaining our drainage systems must not overlook this timely and prudent directive.

The northeast monsoon season (from November to February) may not turn out to be the same as in past, because climate changes appear to be wreaking havoc across the globe.

The maintenance of drains is a mammoth task, given the state of neglect of some of them.  

Netizens have frequently written about the poor state of some drains in residential areas and around restaurants.

Is there enough time for the local authorities clean up these drains before the expected November rains?

Many residential areas are suffering from broken and clogged drains. Add to this soil erosion, the perennial dumping of rubbish and the accumulation of falling leaves and branches, and the problem is even worse. 

The drainage around some restaurants operating from shops along high streets may be affected by food waste and discarded oil.

As some netizens pointed out, the most observed routine nationwide is the regular, almost bimonthly, cutting of grass in residential areas and along our roads. This may be because it is a lucrative business handed out to contractors who hire migrant workers to do the job. 

But the routine cleaning and repairing of drains is something many of us have not seen for a long time – especially since the 2018 general election. 

Perhaps the prime minister needs to get the army to step in, as we are likely to face an unprecedented major crisis, given the unusual weather patterns seen not only in far-away places like New York but even closer, in our neighbouring shores. 

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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JD Lovrenciear
JD Lovrenciear, an Aliran member, is a KL-based writer, trainer and consultant who also offers his time to support initiatives to build a progressive society. He is also a vice-president of the Malaysian National Patriots Association (Patriot).
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Raymond Rayan
Raymond Rayan
8 Oct 2023 10.50am

I think the biggest culprit is the authorities who approve the projects be it big or small without proper drainage to save cost. Look at K.L. with all the high rise buildings and complexes but lack proper drainage which eventually leads to flooding during a downpour

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