KUALA LUMPUR: Five main routes in the city have been closed and diverted due to floods and clean-up operations, says Asst Comm Sarifudin Mohd Salleh.

       The Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief said the five routes were Jalan Tuanku Sultan Abdul Halim, Jalan Rahmat, Jalan Sentul Manis, Jalan Pahang Barat and the SMART tunnel.

       "We advise motorists to use Jalan Tun Razak to get to the city centre," he said in a statement Sunday (Dec 19).

       He also advised motorists to avoid the closed and diverted roads.

       "Always follow instructions of police personnel to ensure smooth traffic flow," he added.

       ACP Sarifudin urged those with information or inquiries to contact the Jalan Tun HS Lee Traffic police station at 03-2071 9999 or the KL Traffic police hotline at 03-2026 0267/ 69 or the nearest police station.

       Meanwhile, a check by The Star at the city centre revealed that the flood situation has improved with the water in many places completely receding.

       As of 11am, there was no more water at Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Raja Laut.

       While the road in front of Dataran Merdeka was still closed off, there was no more water at the location.

       Despite a light drizzle, the situation at the city centre was slowly returning to normal.