KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government will review the implementation of flood mitigation projects in areas identified as frequently affected in Sabah as a long-term measure to address increasingly severe flooding due to climate change and global warming.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic) said the extreme weather phenomenon occurring not only in Sabah but worldwide requires a more comprehensive approach, including reviewing the construction of flood mitigation infrastructure.
“This is a global warming issue, an environmental issue. With rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns, floods are becoming more frequent.
“So on the government’s part, we will review the affected locations.
“Firstly, the flood mitigation projects that we can implement will be carried out in areas that are significantly affected,” he told reporters here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Mustapha, who is also Sepanggar MP, said the government continues to closely monitor the current flood situation by mobilising relevant agencies to safeguard the welfare of victims.
“The National Disaster Management Agency and the Malaysia Civil Defence Force have also been mobilised to visit every temporary relief centre to assess the needs and welfare of flood victims,” he added.
“I will assist in expediting the deployment of relevant agencies to flood locations and contributions to be channelled to those registered at temporary relief centres in all affected areas.”
Mustapha said the government is also focusing on strengthening information dissemination systems and early weather warnings so that residents in high-risk areas can make early preparations.
