Klang Valley residents again experienced flash floods, this time affecting 23 areas in the capital due to continuous rain for more than two hours on the afternoon of March 7, 2022. According to Astro AWANI, it was believed that thousands of vehicles around the Klang Valley were submerged in the floodwaters. One of the affected areas was the Besraya Expressway involving routes from the city centre to Salak Selatan, Kuchai to Salak Jaya, and Kampung Malaysia to Kuchai, based on a Facebook post by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
Apart from vehicles, the floods also affected homes. As of March 8 at 8 am, 1,112 flood victims involving 263 families have been evacuated to nine Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) around Selangor. According to Utusan Malaysia, the figure has yet to include the victims transferred to PPS Masjid Putra Heights.
Unusually heavy rain for two hours caused floods in the Klang Valley
According to Astro AWANI, the Minister of Environment and Water, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the rainfall reading recorded at Taman Desa Smart Station, Kuala Lumpur was 106.5 millimetres high. A higher reading was recorded at Air Panas Station, with 155 millimetres in just two hours.
“The rainfall reading within a year is 2,500 mm, making the average reading (about) 200 mm per month, but in just two hours, the reading recorded is more than 106 mm, which is more than half the monthly average.
“The floods were due to unusually heavy rains within two hours, causing the existing drainage system to be unable to cope with the high water flow capacity,” said Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim in a special press conference.
In another development, Bernama reported that the Ministry of Federal Territories would hold discussions with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to find the best solution to the flash floods.
“Even though it happened quickly, to me, it is not an excuse to blame any party. Therefore, we will conduct further discussions with DBKL to find the best solution for the short, medium and long term,” said the Deputy Minister of Federal Territories, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
Does vehicle insurance cover vehicle damage due to floods?
When submerged in floods, vehicle components such as engines are at risk of costly damage. Speaking to Berita Harian on January 20, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the repair cost might amount to less than RM10,000 for insignificant damage. But, if completely damaged, repairing a vehicle can cost up to RM80,000 to RM90,000. Repair costs may be higher if it involves premium vehicles.
Looking at the high cost of repairs, can you make an insurance claim for your flood-damaged vehicle?
For your information, car insurance, including a comprehensive policy, does not cover any damage, loss or liability due to natural disasters. These include floods, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, storms, and volcanic eruptions.
Therefore, you cannot make a car insurance claim for vehicle damage due to floods or other natural disasters.
However, you can make an insurance claim if you purchase special perils (natural disasters) cover. You can add this additional coverage to your comprehensive policy with an additional premium. The premium is usually 0.5% of the sum insured for your vehicle. The additional premium rate for special perils cover may vary across insurers. So, do check the additional premium rates offered.
Take a look at our past article to learn more about special perils (natural disasters) cover.
Follow the driving guide when it rains
We would also like to share the driving guide during the rainy season by PLUS Malaysia:
Additionally, please get the latest weather forecast information before travelling through official channels such as:
- Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia)
- Website: www.met.gov.my
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/metmalaysia
- Hotline: 1-300-22-1638
- App: myCuaca
- National Security Council (MKN) Telegram: https://t.me/MKNRasmi
Protect your car with special perils (natural disasters) cover
Given the unpredictable weather and the frequency of natural disasters in recent times, we recommend getting special perils cover. By having the coverage, you at least do not have to spend money to repair your vehicle due to natural disasters.
To get the cover, you can buy a comprehensive coverage plan at Bjak and add it to your policy. Visit Bjak to get free motorcycle or car insurance quotes online.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison sites, with more than 10 insurance brands to choose from. Get your free insurance quote at Bjak today!
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