KUALA LUMPUR: The government should start dredging rivers to reduce flooding during the northeast monsoon.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the rivers are getting narrower and shallower, causing them to swell and inundate nearby areas during downpours.
"Unfortunately, the maintenance culture in our country is very poor. In the last few decades, we have not done enough to deepen, de-silt and preserve our rivers.
"So, during prolonged, heavy rains, the river water flows over and inundates the low-lying areas, forcing thousands of people to lose their homes and vehicles.
"Another major problem is the poor upkeep of drains in our country. Drains are often clogged with trash, which eventually leads to flash floods during downpours.
"This must change. The authorities should start dredging our rivers and cleaning up our drains to mitigate floods," he told the New Straits Times.
Lee called on the government to procure more fibreglass boats that can be deployed for rescue missions during the floods.
Additionally, he urged the authorities to educate people living in flood-prone areas on the preparations that they should make during the flood season.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department had forecast that the country would face prolonged, heavy rain from mid-November due to the northeast monsoon.
The La Nina phenomenon, set to persist until early 2023, is also expected to bring more rainfall.