Zaliha told the Dewan Rakyat today the number of flash flood hotspots recorded around flood retention pond areas did not increase after development projects were approved since 2018.

“Examples of these are the areas with flood retention ponds in Kampung Periuk and Kampung Baru in the city, which have gone through development.

“The frequency of floods in both areas during the last two years has significantly reduced,” she said in response to a statement by Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) that rapid development causes flash floods.

Zaliha said her ministry has asked Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to conduct an analysis and look for a direct relation between the number of approved developments and flash floods in the city centre.

She said the results of the analysis will be presented to the federal territories minister’s council, of which Kok is also a member.

The eight development projects approved at flood retention pond areas include those in Taman Wahyu, Kepong Metropolitan and Damai Lake Fields.

Zaliha said she will ask her officers to submit a full list of the projects to Kok.

She also gave her assurance that DBKL is monitoring the projects around the flood retention ponds that have been approved.

“We have found that water levels are still under control and there have not been flooding incidents there,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zaliha said all LED billboards managed by DBKL will display real-time weather conditions and warnings of potential flash floods starting tomorrow.

She said the proactive early warning initiative aims to ensure city dwellers can prepare and take early action in the event of such disasters.

DBKL has also established the KL Public Incident Management Committee to provide immediate assistance regarding floods within 30 minutes.