KLANG: Traders in Little India here are frustrated with the increasingly frequent flash floods that have been affecting their businesses, claiming that the business area is inundated with water even after short bouts of heavy rain.
Jewellery shop owner N. Supramaniam, 67, when met at his premises today, said that the frequency of these incidents could be avoided if the drainage system was well-maintained, thus reducing the risk of water entering the business premises in the area.
He said that flash floods not only caused losses to traders in terms of damaged goods, but the frequent incidents also made it difficult for the public to visit the area to buy necessities.
"Yesterday, another flash flood occurred in this area. The back part of my shop was flooded, furniture and other items were damaged... this is not the first time it has happened.
"I urge the local authorities to take action before the situation worsens and becomes uncontrollable," said Supramaniam, whose family business has been running here for almost 70 years.
Supramaniam hoped that the local authorities would monitor the drains and water channels in the area more frequently and take immediate action if there were any blockages.
The frequent floods in the area have also prompted electrical and electronics shop owner Lim Kum Loke, 75, to build zinc barriers to prevent water from entering his premises.
He said the barrier was only a temporary solution because if it rained heavily for a longer period, water would still overflow into his shop.
"Yesterday, the water had risen, estimated to be about one foot high, but I was lucky to have a barrier and the water did not enter the shop," he said.
Like his friend Supramaniam, Lim, whose business has been based there for 70 years, urged the relevant authorities to carry out drain cleaning and maintenance work to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Henna dealer G. Kisnawe, 24, said her business depended on high foot traffic in the area, and the frequency of flash floods had affected her badly.
"I run a small business, and my income is uncertain. If many people come, it's okay, but what worries me is if a flood occurs, I have to close the shop, it's difficult for me to earn income," she said, hoping that a long-term solution could be implemented to address the situation.
Yesterday, a video went viral showing the flash flood situation around the Little India area in Klang, with water rising to knee level and entering nearby business premises. – BERNAMA