Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday ordered the speedy implementation of flood prevention measures after parts of the capital Kuala Lumpur were submerged following heavy rains.

After hours of constant rainfall late Sunday, two rivers broke their banks and numerous roads were under water, bringing traffic in the bustling capital to a standstill. Six people were injured.

The waters had receded early Monday, but Abdullah said the government needed to take quick action.

"The flood is not seasonal. All projects to alleviate floods like the deepening of rivers and building of retention ponds must be completed fast," he was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.

"Mobilise all resources and give it priority."

Malaysia has built the world's first dual-purpose tunnel, which serves as both a highway and a storm water drain, but the drainage channel, which runs under the highway, will not be fully operational until July.

When briefed about the tunnel's capabilities, Abdullah simply said: "Can you speed it up?"

Apart from the RM1.9 billion Smart tunnel, the government will still need to spend billions of ringgit to deepen rivers in the city to overcome the flash floods, Works Minister S Samy Vellu said.