The ‘1971 Kuala Lumpur Flood’ was a major flash flood disaster in Malaysia that occurred in the month of January 1971. The flooding was the result of heavy monsoon rains, which swelled the Klang, Batu, and Gombak rivers. A total number of 32 people were killed and 180,000 people were affected. The Malaysian Prime Minister at that time that is Tun Abdul Razak had declared a state of national disaster in Western Malaysia. The floods were the worst in the country since 1926. As a result of the worst flooding, the Kuala Lumpur Flood Mitigation Programme was set up.
Simultaneously, there are also two other cabinet committees on flood relief and also rehabilitation with the Prime Minister himself as the chairman. Another committee to assess the damage and also direct economic and social recovery measures. Kuala Lumpur is the worst hit by the ‘1971 Kuala Lumpur Flood’ where almost 60% of the area is inundated so that it can be seen in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur as if was located in the middle of the ocean.
The flood that hit in the year 1971 receded within a week later, losing a huge amount of property estimated at more than RM 84.7 million. The flood also had left the worst effects of damage, many losing their homes and property. Many of the flood victims were forced to live in a slum after all their belongings were washed away by the worst flood. Hundreds of cars and lorries were stranded for 3 days when the bridge near Maran district, Pahang collapsed.
Ferries had to be used to bring the vehicle across the river. It is also rumored that Sultan Abu Bakar who is the Sultan of Pahang at that time almost drowned when the boat that he boarded with his entourage to survey the flood situation was flooded in Sungai Pahang near Pekan district. However, His Majesty and also his entourage survived when two fishing boats appeared and provided assistance. His speed boat worth RM 60,000 sank at 10.30 am.
Sources: The New York Times, Facebook Suatu Ketika, TikTok kak_aya_abotaiping.