Effective Measures for Flood Mitigation: Strategize, Cooperate & Take Action

Effective Measures for Flood Mitigation: Strategize, Cooperate & Take Action

Flash floods are a common occurrence in Malaysia and they are bound to pay us a visit every monsoon season. In December 2021, the country experienced its heaviest rainfall in the last one hundred years, causing flooding in 8 of 11 states. There are several factors that can influence the occurrence of floods and these include heavy rainfall, deforestation, urbanization on low lying areas, climate change and the most common one – clogged drains. 

When a flood occurs, lives and crops are endangered, not to mention setting back the country’s economic activities and developments. Infrastructure is damaged, livestock are killed and people lose their homes and source of income. In addition to massive traffic congestion and destroyed homes, flooding could also bring about mosquito-borne diseases and even death by drowning. The disruption to daily life and loss of assets will undoubtedly take a toll on people’s mental and physical health, especially those living in lower socio-economic communities. 

According to a government report, the floods of December 2021 caused an estimated RM20 billion in overall losses. The first most vulnerable Malaysian state was Selangor, suffering RM3.1 billion in losses, followed by Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan. With the highest population of Malaysians at 6.6 million, eight out of nine districts in Selangor have been identified as flood prone hotspots and these hotspots may increase substantially as time goes by. 

In our ongoing battle with floods, preparation is critical. It is crucial to always keep our guard up. Proper planning will also help to reduce potential losses and the impact of flooding on your home or businesses. Here are a few tips that we can adhere to, especially now that we are experiencing rainfall on a daily basis.

1. Monitor weather conditions and check the risk of flooding in your area.
Keep yourself and your family alert by paying attention to news alerts and the weather forecast be it on social media or on traditional media such as radio or television. If there is a potential risk, be sure to pack up some important belongings or items and keep them aside should there be a need to evacuate. 

2. Keep drains from clogging by cleaning up garbage and debris to reduce the risk of flooding.
Flash floods are usually caused by clogged drains. If drains are being obstructed by rubbish and debris, rainwater cannot flow through quickly enough. Hence it is important to always maintain a clean environment and ensure that drains surrounding offices and homes are always clear of obstruction. This will also help in preventing the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes which causes dengue fever. 

3. Move valuable belongings, chemicals, and electrical devices to an elevated, safe place away from expected water levels.
On a regular basis, items like our phone and tablet charges, gas cylinders, medications and other chemicals are stored away from prying hands of children. When flood season arrives, these items should not be exposed and should be moved to safer places where flood waters are not able to reach them to prevent electrocution, chemical leaks or explosions. 

4. Ensure that insurance covers against flood damage to property.
A very important aspect is insurance coverage. It is imperative that individuals and business owners insure their property against natural disasters in order to have peace of mind especially when monetary funds are required to restore homes and businesses post flood. 

5. Ensure that everyone in the house knows where to turn off electricity or gas supply.
Teach older children where and how to turn off electricity or gas supply when necessary. Everyone in the family should know what to do in case family members are separated during flooding. Discussion roles and planning ahead of time helps to reduce fear and anxiety as everyone will know how to respond should there be a flood. 

6. Prepare an emergency flood kit and find out where the nearest evacuation shelter is located.
If you live or work in a flood-prone area, it is a good idea to maintain a disaster supply kit at home. This kit should at the very least be stocked with first aid supplies, flashlight and batteries, non-perishable food, drinking water, medicine, some clothes and cash.

There are three agencies in Malaysia that are responsible for managing flood risk and coordinating responses to natural disasters. They are:

  1. The National Disaster Management and Relief Committee 
  2. The State Disaster Management and Relief Committee 
  3. The District Disaster Management and Relief Committee 

While it is the responsibility of these agencies to reduce economic damage and minimize flood impacts, individual property owners are still responsible for maintaining their private drainage system, just as districts are still responsible for river maintenance and public drainage systems. Moreover, communities have come together in the form of gotong royong against floods. In solidarity, the community organize regular rubbish pick-ups to unclog drains, restock shelters with emergency supplies, and share information such as weather warnings and emergency alerts on social media groups and we truly commend these communities for coming together in trying times. 

At Maclean, we take our responsibilities seriously. While we do have immense experience in dealing with waterlogged premises, we help mitigate the trouble of dealing with them in the first place. Staying true to the saying that prevention is better than cure, our services involve clearing up clients’ long-neglected drains with our powerful pressure jet washers. If you would like to find out more about our cleaning and declogging process in detail, please do not hesitate to contact us at 03-7773 0300 or email us at enquire@maclean.com.my

References: 
  1.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/parts-of-kuala-lumpur-flooded-after-non-stop-downpour 
  2.
https://www.wikiimpact.com/another-flash-flood-in-kl-reasons-why-floods-are-on-the-rise-in-the-capital-city/
  3.
http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/index.php/hazards/flooding/265-what-causes-flood
  4.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/money/2022/03/23/which-states-in-malaysia-are-most-vulnerable-to-floods/ https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/09/20/nadma-eight-flood-hotspot-districts-identified-in-selangor/29228 
  5.
https://www.monash.edu.my/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/2236516/Flooding-in-Segamat.pdf 
  6.
https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/infographics/br-floods.htm 

Beyond Cost Effective Solutions

“Thank you, Maclean team, for the good support and on time completion of the cleaning activities as required at the Phase 2 cafeteria and Phase 2 new wing office floor without any delays which met client satisfaction.”

Manufacturing

“The final cleaning has come to an end today. We appreciate your team's full commitment and cooperation in ensuring the successful completion of the cleaning work at Plot H. Your site person in charge and his team has performed well throughout the cleaning period. Their prompt response and action as well as their workmanship on the end-product satisfied us.”

Construction

“I would like to take this opportunity to first, thank you for the 9 years of services to the hospital. Maclean has offered a top-level cleaning service with the magnificent team of client service right down to the cleaner.

I am particularly writing to appreciate the cleaner, namely BAL BAHADUR, M. SUMON and MASLINDAH for their professionalism and exceptional work ethic. They are punctual, dependable and presented with more than what has been asked of them.”

Hospital

“We are writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional work of the cleaning crew who was responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our office premises. Over the past few weeks, we have observed the excellent work that Nur Alom has been doing, and we must say that his dedication and professionalism are truly commendable.

I have personally witnessed Nur Alom going the extra miles to ensure that the office is clean and hygienic especially during these challenging times post pandemic. His commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment has been exceptional, and he has made a significant contribution to keep our workplace safe and healthy for all employees. “

Office

“We would like to express our thanks towards janitor Suriakala for excellent cleaning services rendered during Deep Cleaning activities on 14th and 28th January 2023. As well, we find her job deliverance is excellent and committed on daily routine tasks.

Hereby, we extend our thanks to Bobby, Fahmi for their prompt response of any inquiries and replacement planning during janitor's absence. We are also thankful to be supported by the Maclean team for

  • deep cleaning upholstery office chairs, sofa
  • fabric wall meeting rooms
  • fabric cubicle – employee workstation areas
  • lobby reception, breakout area, workstation area
  • floor scrubbing at carpeted area total approximately 3,617sqft
  • floor scrubbing at pantry vinyl floor area"
Office

“Excellent cleaning services. Prompt response of any inquiries and fast planning during your janitor on leave”

Hypermarket

“Excellent service during the summer break for the school opening preparations - efficient, gracious customer service, the level of detail and accountability you have demonstrated on the housekeeping service.”

Education

Our Supervisors and Crew Are Well Trained

“I received a verbal compliment from client on Crew’s performance & improvement after we had engagement meeting. Well done and keep up the good work!”

Office

“Services provided by the crew on site was good and amazing, especially the head of the crew obviously showing his excellent performance on managing his team that provided high quality cleanliness service throughout the year. They have shown a great team spirit and hope this can continue and maintained in future. I would also take this opportunity to congratulate Miss Nadia who trained such a good team and of course your good services to our company as well.”

Retail

“Thank you very much for the team you lead! Professional and high efficiency!”

Education

“Convey our outmost appreciations for the excellent service provided to our team in Bayan Lepas. Your team, which is Samy and his supportive team, have been doing great jobs & supported us. Samy has been committed to all the tasks given with fast response from him & the teams.”

Manufacturing

“Formally and sincerely express our gratitude for the amazing honesty your team shown during recently lost and found case. Nurhayati Binti Abdullah had shown exceptional discipline and dedication to her daily work. Her actions directly impacted our image and Maclean directly benefited the team and company on a greater level. Once again, thank you for the leadership shown by Maclean’s management team – Kak Mis on the diligence and integrity adopted for all the team on the site.”

Office

“Layanan yang sangat baik, berdisiplin, komited, sabar, berbudi bahasa dan sentiasa positif.”

3S Centre

“Thank You for the Good Service. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the women who are doing the cleaning at our premise. I am very satisfied with their work! I would like to thank Diana (supervisor) and Sajib who always monitor and ensure someone to cover when the cleaners go on leave. Good teamwork and dependable.”

Education

We Are Well Versed with Various Industry Compliancy Requirements

“Congratulations “Maclean Team” as all cleaners have successfully passed the EHS training that was conducted on site.

We are satisfied with their service”

Manufacturing

“Thanks for your team’s kind support to maintain the cleanliness of our LMM plant during our two important events:

(1) EHS Corporate Audit

(2) EHS Plan Forum Recognition”

Manufacturing

“Thank you very much for giving 100% support and for ensuring we followed and maintained proper social distancing amid the events.”

Manufacturing

“Gratitude for Maclean’s performance and support during our compliance audit held last October. Maclean’s team has made so much effort in order to keep our business running with full compliance. It's a good image that we comply to every legal requirement that was relevant with Maclean’s help. Maimunah has been key player into this Audit weeks.”

Office

“Many thanks to Zura for the last compliance audit which covered compliance in pharmaceuticals.”

Office

“Our management would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for the excellent service provided to our facility especially for the fresh goods department, for maintaining cleanliness as per our standard.”

Hypermarket

“Able to answer questions from Auditor during ISO Audit.”

Office

Understanding Urgency and Providing Personalised Attention

“We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to you and your team for all the hard work going the extra mile ensuring everything is ready for the event. We know there were a quite a bit of last-minute requests, but you guys managed to extend your excellent service and that made a difference definitely. We appreciate your contribution and management also relay their appreciation and gratitude to all the Janitor team. Thank you so much for being good support for this event and hope this good performance can be maintained.”

Manufacturing

“Hope you are doing great. For the past few months Samy Rau has been supervising our Penang location. We are very grateful that he has been showing his interest and helping me to solve a lot of problems. His presence here during the site visit has made us able to voice up regarding most issues directly. Most pending issues have been resolved. We hope that we will make a better team in future.”

Manufacturing

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Samy and the team, especially Ali Raihan, Sajib Sikdar and all Maclean team members for helping our team on the water leaking issue that happened. Their fast respond to our call during midnight and coming to help us to handle the situation. Keep it up and continue to work together and support our Facilities team.”

Manufacturing

“They are remarkable with their attitudes. The way they go above and beyond to ensure that all our events are presented well, their sense of collaboration and attention to detail is greatly valued.”

Education

“I would like to extend our appreciation for the amazing work done by your team on site especially team leader, Maimunah in supporting several occasions of main event. They have been supportive in terms of logistic, pre-event preparation and on top of that making the event running smoothly.

Please pass my appreciation to Maimunah, Sulaiman, Susilawati and Haipah for their support.”

Office

In addition to the above, we are proud and grateful to receive 2 awards from CBRE:

  • Exceptional Service Award 2022 
  • Best Safety and Covid Response Award 2022

So, try us out and experience the Maclean service first-hand. 

To find out more on how we give you the best value for your budget without compromising your health or safety, please connect with us at 03-7773 0300 or enquire@maclean.com.my.

December 2022
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