KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strengthening its eco-friendly drainage management by combining nature-based solutions with engineering innovation and digital technology.
Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the aim is to boost urban resilience against climate change and extreme weather.
He said the approach was supported by advanced data analytics, predictive modelling, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies to improve decision-making and strengthen urban preparedness for future challenges.
“These technological capabilities can assist us in making better decisions and strengthen our cities to face an increasingly unpredictable future.
“Resilience in stormwater management also requires a holistic approach involving all stakeholders, particularly the government, industry and the community,” he said, Bernama reported.
He said this when representing Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the launch of the National Conference on Stormwater Management 2026 here yesterday.
Abdul Rahman said the four-day conference, which began Tuesday, brought together policymakers, agencies, industry leaders, academics and communities to explore integrated solutions to stormwater management and urban development.
He said building more resilient cities required the active participation of all sectors, including engineers, local authorities, government agencies, researchers, academics, developers and industry players.
“The ideas shared, collaborations forged and commitments made throughout this conference will contribute towards strengthening Malaysia’s stormwater management and enhancing our preparedness for future challenges,” he said.
Meanwhile, Irrigation and Drainage Department director-general Datuk Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib said the department was continuously updating its technical standards and institutional capabilities to address the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urban development.
He said the department was also pursuing long-term planning initiatives through the Eco-Friendly Drainage Master Plan, with 38 studies completed and another five currently underway to strengthen planning and investment for urban areas nationwide.
