Traders in Kuala Lumpur who were affected by the floods on Sunday night want to be compensated for their losses.

At a press conference today outside Wisma Yakin in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur Traders' Association chairperson Syed Nor Azizul Syed Omar insisted that the government should intervene by offering financial aid to those affected.

"We estimate that over 143 stalls were affected in this area, with total damages of over RM300,000. We hope that the government will give an average of RM5,000 to each stall owner, so they can start their businesses," he said.

Azizul said the compensation should come from the Natural Disaster Fund, saying he hoped that Kuala Lumpur City Hall would listen to the association's suggestions.

Stall owners voiced agreement and pleaded for any sort of assistance.

"I lost my entire livelihood," said Ahmad bin Hussein, owner of a crystal stall that was washed away in the flood.

"Even if the government gives us loans instead of aid, that would be better than nothing. Commercial banks should assist with interest-free loans."

Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin attributed the flood to delayed implementation of the Smart tunnel project.

It incorporates an as-yet uncompleted stormwater management section to channel water away from the city centre to a retention pond.

"(Works Minister) S Samy Vellu should explain the reasons for the delay, as well as for the terrible management of the flood," he said.

He also said motorists should not have to pay the RM2 toll to use the road tunnel until the project is fully completed in August.

"It is unreasonable to implement a toll charge as the floodwater diversion part has not been completed," he argued.