KLANG, March 8 — Traders in Little India are frustrated with the increasingly frequent flash floods which are affecting their businesses, claiming the business area is inundated with water even after short bouts of heavy rain.
Jewellery shop owner N. Supramaniam, 67, speaking to Bernama at his premises today, said 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.
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, and 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 for almost 70 years.
He hopes the local authorities will monitor the drains and water channels in the area more frequently and take immediate action if there are 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.
However, the barrier is only a temporary solution because heavy rains over a longer period would result in water overflowing into his shop.
“Yesterday, the water rose to an estimated 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 have affected her badly.
“I run a small business, and my income is uncertain. If many people come, it is okay, but what worries me is if a flood occurs, I have to close the shop.
“This makes it difficult for me to earn an income,” she said, adding that she hopes a long-term solution can be implemented to address the situation.
Yesterday, a viral video showed the flash flood situation around the Little India area in Klang, with water rising to knee level and entering nearby business premises.
— Bernama
