KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may need a staggering RM392bil allocation for flood mitigation projects but with limited resources, the government will prioritise projects based on urgency and needs, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said as a long-term solution to address flood woes, the Irrigation and Drainage Department has conducted studies based on major river basins as a non-structural approach, aimed to provide comprehensive flood planning and solutions.
“Based on these studies, it is estimated that RM392bil is needed to implement 365 flood mitigation projects from last year until the year 2100.
“If we were to spend that total amount a year, we would not have enough budget for other ministries. That is why we implement the projects based on needs,” he said in reply to a question from V. Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) during the Minister’s Question Time.Ganabatirau had asked the government whether it was satisfied with the implemented flood mitigation projects and measures to improve flood preparedness.
Fadillah, who is Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the department has identified the causes of flooding across the country.
“These include a significant increase in rainfall due to climate change, inadequate drainage systems, and rapid, uncontrolled development and land use activities.“Additionally, issues such as waste disposal and damaged drainage infrastructure have contributed to flooding, particularly flash floods.
“Flood management requires integrated cooperation, especially in managing drainage systems and rivers involving various departments and agencies,” he said.Fadillah said the department has also updated and identified 4,619 flood hotspot locations nationwide.
“Initial measures have been taken to implement mitigation works such as maintaining drainage systems, repairs, retrofitting and so forth, as well as early warning systems,” he added.
