Workers clear clogged drains during KL flood


In Malaysia, there’s often a stigma attached to dirty, dangerous, and difficult (3D) jobs and the people who perform them. But workers such as street cleaners and garbage collectors happen to be the backbone of our communities – they ensure our locales are kept clean and safe for the rest of us.

During the recent flash floods experienced in KL, several diligent Alam Flora sanitation workers, along with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) staff members, had to carry out their cleaning duties despite heavy downpour and muddy floodwaters.

They were seen clearing clogged drains on flooded roads in the rain, which won the praise of Malaysians online.


DBKL & Alam Flora workers praised for carrying out duties in the rain


DBKL worker cleaning drain
Image credit: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

On Monday, 7th March 2021, several parts of Klang Valley were struck by sudden flash floods that caught people by surprise during peak office hours.

Some of the busiest roads in Kuala Lumpur – including Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Pudu and Jalan Maharajalela, among others – were affected by the floods, causing slow-moving traffic that saw hundreds of cars stranded on roads.

Despite the heavy downpour, some Alam Flora and DBKL workers were trying their best to unclog the drains of debris to improve traffic conditions in the city centre.

Sanitation workers on flooded road
Image credit: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

In a Facebook update by the DBKL on 7th March, a set of four photos of sanitation workers working under the rain in the city showed their great efforts.

Some of them had to wear reflective covering, presumably to remain visible while working along flooded streets busy with cars, while others used their bare hands and tools to clear the drains of debris.

Sanitation workers during flood - workerImage credit: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur


Netizens praise workers for their hard work


The viral post has garnered over 800 shares, with hundreds of Malaysians leaving positive comments under the post to thank the workers for performing their jobs diligently.

 

Facebook comments
Some of the comments left by netizens
Image credit: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Workers clear drains - Facebook comment
Image credit: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Netizen Aileen How is among the many who thanked the sanitation workers for their promptness to act on the flash flood that was affecting major roads in KL, commenting, “Thank you to the officers and individuals who were put into action immediately”.

Workers clear drains - Facebook comment
Image credit: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Meanwhile, another netizen named Nabil Nordin prayed for the workers’ well-being as they were risking their health and safety to perform the job. He also praised them for their hard work.


Appreciating sanitation workers in Malaysia


We’re glad to see Malaysians’ reaction towards this post, and we hope people’s mindset towards 3D jobs will continue to grow in a positive manner for better acceptance in our country.

As sanitation workers have to often face dirty and dangerous environments as part of their jobs, it’s important that we always appreciate their effort in ensuring the cleanliness of our environment.

Read more here:


Cover image adapted from: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

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