{
  "id": 17943643,
  "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-17943643",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T09:19:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "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 Malaysian government is ramping up inspections of Kuala Lumpur's drainage systems and conducting cleaning operations to prevent flash floods during the upcoming rainy season, according to Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories). Yeoh emphasized that these checks need to be comprehensive, even during the dry season, to ensure drains are properly cleaned and functional. She clarified that the appearance of roads does not guarantee the efficiency of the drainage system, as blockages can go unnoticed. Ahead of the rainy season, spot checks have been reminded to be conducted, she stated after launching the Community-Based Eco Recycling Hub (COB3R) at Presint 9. Yeoh also mentioned that each parliamentary office has activated teams to patrol areas prone to flash floods and relay information to the Kuala Lumpur mayor. Maintaining a watchful eye is vital to prevent hotspot areas from increasing again, a goal Yeoh set for Kuala Lumpur to reduce them further to 10. To combat the issue, the frequency of cleaning and desilting works in Sungai Toba has been increased from twice to six times a year. With unpredictable weather patterns and heavy rainfall, the authorities are reviewing SOPs and enhancing disaster preparedness. Yeoh highlighted the necessity of adopting the sponge city approach, which involves preserving open and green spaces to absorb rainwater. She stressed that development in hilly areas must be strictly controlled to maintain the natural capacity of the area to absorb rainwater, as replacing green spaces with concrete is not a viable solution.",
  "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."
}