Tuan Ibrahim: ‘This cost estimate includes flood mitigation and urban drainage.’ — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Environment and Water Ministry has estimated that an allocation of RM392bil would be needed as a long-term solution to overcome the country’s flood problems for the next 78 years till 2100.
Its minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the government’s seriousness in dealing with climate change issues was demonstrated through large investments in the country’s water sector.
This included an “off budget” allocation of RM15bil for a period of eight years from 2023 to 2030 for flood mitigation projects as well as the construction of sabo structures in critical areas severely affected by the north-east monsoon.
“For long-term measures up to 2100, the ministry estimates an allocation of RM392bil is needed to overcome flood problems in Malaysia.
“This cost estimate, among others, includes the main components of flood mitigation and urban drainage amounting to RM230.71bil and coastal infrastructure amounting to RM126.55bil,” he said when addressing the Climate Change Symposium 2022 yesterday.
The event was organised by the Opposition Leader’s office in collaboration with the office of the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Parliament.
Tuan Ibrahim said the ministry was committed to ensuring the well-being of the people through mid-term and long-term measures, including development plans for infrastructure protection, particularly those involving water-related disasters.
“The ministry is also drafting details for the implementation of climate change adaptation. The rise in global temperatures will increase the risk of disasters and their direct impact on the people’s well-being and that of the economy.
“In this regard, the government has developed the National Water Sector Transformation Agenda 2040 starting with the 12th Malaysia Plan up to the 15th Malaysia Plan,” he said.
In addition, Tuan Ibrahim said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had agreed to lead a national delegation to the Summit of Heads of State and Government on Nov 6 at the 27th Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27-UNFCCC) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, in his opening remarks, said flood issues, which were often linked to climate change, would require every MP to play a role in creating awareness of the climate crisis in their respective areas.
MPs could play a role by getting involved in civil society organisations.
“MPs in civil society will be able to contribute their experience and guidance in providing assistance to local communities affected by disasters,” he said. — Bernama
