{
  "id": 17940795,
  "title": "KL steps up drainage checks ahead of rainy season to prevent flash floods, says Hannah Yeoh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/kl-steps-up-drainage-checks-ahead-of-rainy-season-to-prevent-flash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T09:19:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/03/kl-steps-up-drainage-checks-ahead-of-rainy-season-to-prevent-flash-floods-says-hannah-yeoh/241846"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 — The Kuala Lumpur drainage systems are undergoing increased spot checks and cleaning works in preparation for the rainy season, according to Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories). Yeoh emphasized the need for thorough inspections, even during the dry season, to ensure drainage systems function effectively. She stressed that the appearance of clean roads does not guarantee a well-functioning drainage system, as blocked drains can go unnoticed. \"That is why, before the rainy season, during the dry season, we have already reminded them... we must carry out spot checks,\" she told reporters after launching the Community-Based Eco Recycling Hub (COB3R) at Presint 9. Yeoh's office has activated teams to patrol areas prone to flash floods and relay reports to the Kuala Lumpur mayor. The goal is to further reduce the number of flood hotspots from 14 to 10. The frequency of cleaning and desilting on Sungai Toba has been increased from twice to six times per year. As weather patterns change and heavy rainfall becomes more intense, Yeoh stressed the importance of reassessing existing SOPs and adopting the sponge city approach, which involves preserving open and green spaces to absorb rainwater. She also highlighted the need to control development in hilly areas to maintain the natural capacity of the land to hold rainwater, without replacing it with concrete.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 — Spot checks on drainage systems and cleaning works in Kuala Lumpur are being stepped up t...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}