Flood risk is now one of the key factors in the technical assessment for all new housing projects nationwide to ensure that buyers do not become victims of developments in flood-prone areas, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said all development applications submitted through the One Stop Centre (OSC) must undergo a comprehensive evaluation by technical agencies, including the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), to ensure that drainage and flood mitigation aspects are accounted for before approval is granted.
“This assessment refers to the Flood Mitigation Master Plan and Annual Flood Report to ensure that local infrastructure can cope with the impact of climate change, which has led to increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels,” he said during question time today.
He was responding to Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau), who had asked the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister to state the flood risk status of housing projects so that buyers don’t buy homes in flood-prone areas.
Fadillah said that development also takes into account the State Structure Plan (RSN) and Local Plan (RT), which outline policies and land-use suitability, including the identification of zones at risk from flooding.
For new projects, he said that drainage system designs must comply with the Manual for Environmental-Friendly Drainage (MSMA), which emphasises an integrated rainwater management approach, such as retention ponds and eco-friendly element to reduce the risk of flash floods.
“However, for older housing developments before the enforcement of MSMA, most areas lack adequate flood control systems and are more exposed to risks whenever there is unusually heavy rainfall,” he said.
Fadillah said the improvement of drainage systems in old residential areas would require action from various parties, including state governments and local authorities, to upgrade the capacity of existing systems.
In addition, he said the 41st meeting of the National Physical Planning Council on April 17, 2023, had agreed that the Environmentally Friendly Drainage Master Plan (Pisma) will be adopted by all state governments and local authorities as a guide for the planning and implementation of more sustainable development projects.
“Pisma serves as a reference for upgrading and building drainage systems and for planning future developments in a more structured way to reduce flash flood risks and control pollution caused by development,” he added.
Replying to a supplementary question from Muhammad Bakhtiar on the status of Phase 2 of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB), Fadillah said 38 river basins are being monitored to strengthen early warning and protect high-risk residential areas.
In a Bernama report, Fadillah added that the programme is implemented by DID under the National Forecasting and Warning System, which can forecast floods up to seven days in advance and issue warnings two days before floods occur.
“PRAB involves major river basins nationwide, developed in three phases between 2015 and 2030.
“Phase 1, involving Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang is already operational; Phase 2, involving 33 basins on the peninsula and five in Sabah and Sarawak is expected to be completed in 2028,” he said, adding that Phase 3 between 2025 and 2030 will comprise 33 basins in Sabah and Sarawak.
