KUALA LUMPUR: Several areas in the city were hit by flash floods today following the morning downpour.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall socioeconomic development executive director Datuk Anwar Mohd Zain said, however, some 300 staff members were already deployed at flood-prone areas following a weather forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
They were traffic wardens and other City Hall personnel from the rescue squad, enforcement, Flying Squad, Health and Environment; Public Service Delivery Transformation (PSTD) team, civil engineering and drainage; infrastructure planning department, as well as staff from branches.
"They were on standby to assist the traffic flow, traffic dispersal; as well as ensuring proper and unhindered water flow.
"City Hall staff have taken proactive steps to be on standby at flash flood hotspots, equipped with machinery," Anwar told a press conference today.
He said the heavy rain started at about 10am, affecting Jalan Rahmat, Jalan Ipoh Batu 3, Jalan Segambut, Jalan Dutamas 2, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar towards Jalan Kuching and Jalan Ampang in front of the Bukit Nanas waterfall.
He said floodwaters receded within 30 minutes and most of the places were located in low-lying areas such as Jalan Rahmat, Jalan Ipoh Batu 3, Jalan Segambut and Jalan Ampang.
Sediment in roadside drains on Jalan Dutamas 2 was also found, he said.
"The flood was not caused by a single factor. Heavy rain that occurs can be seen as a factor too. It all happens quickly. But we will know what actions are needed to be taken in different hotspots.
"City Hall has taken immediate steps and deployed 10 water pumps to flush out stagnant water from affected areas including Jalan Dutamas 2, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar towards Jalan Kuching, Jalan Ipoh Batu 3 and Jalan Segambut.
"Sandbags were also placed in some areas including Sungai Bras-Bras, Jalan Parlimen, Jalan Rahmat and Lebuh Ampang. City Hall will add more sandbags as part of interim measures."
Anwar said other agencies at the sites were Alam Flora, police and the Civil Defence Force.
He said proactive measures helped in preventing loss of life and damages to properties.
He also denied rumours of huge flash floods spreading around social media.
"I would like to deny claims of a huge flood happening in areas such as Jalan Travers. The pictures and videos that were posted are from previous cases that happened months ago.
"Cars can now pass through the areas mentioned without any trouble. The water level receded as quickly as they rose. So, we managed to take control of the situation without much issue."