FLASH FLOOD WOE FOR KL TRADERS
They have gone through 2 days of floods despite City Hall’s efforts to clear drain
THE city’s Ramadan bazaar traders, having moved from their previous location in Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman to Jalan Raja, are ruing their bad luck after two days of flash floods.
Traders at the new location in the heritage quarter saw water rising to the ankle-level when it rains, leaving them in the lurch and forcing them to rescue their goods from getting wet.
Nick Iskandar, who sells baju kurung, said water levels were several centimetres above her ankles, higher than the night before. She said the water level remained for about 40 minutes.
“The rain began about 2.45pm and stopped around 4.20pm, but water started pooling at 3.30pm and did not recede until the rain stopped,” she said, adding that the downpour drenched about RM700 worth of her baju kurung.
She said the flash flood occurred despite City Hall’s efforts to remove cables and widening the drains on the site.
“The worst part was we had to constantly clean the stall from litter, such as cigarette butts and plastic, which came from the overflowing drains and surface runoff.”
Traders had previously grumbled about the unsuitability of the site. However, City Hall had said the new venue was more spacious and more comfortable for traders.
Batik seller Azkhalim Suradi said they would just have to bear
the condition for now.
“We have no choice but to accept these conditions. We’ve already spent money on our stall.”
Despite its slow start, the Ramadan bazaar’s 344 lots are now fully occupied.
Kuala Lumpur Bumiputera Traders and Hawkers Association president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman called for an elevated platform to be installed for the bazaar, and for visitors be allowed to park on the roads at the quarter.