Extra RM20bil allocated for flood mitigation plans nationwide, says Anwar
The Prime Minister said this will involve 103 projects, including the Sungai Golok RTB in Kelantan; Sungai Gemencheh RTB in Tampin, Negri Sembilan and the Sungai Pahang basin RTB.
Other focus areas are the Sungai Langat and Sungai Buloh RTB in Selangor; Sungai Baru RTB in Melaka; as well as the Sungai Johor basin RTB and Sungai Muar basin RTB in Johor.
'This can reduce the risk and impact of floods,' said Anwar when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (July 31).
Anwar said that artificial intelligence systems will also be used to improve early warning systems, ensuring better preparedness during emergencies.
'Disaster risk management plans will also be included in State Structure Plans as well as Local Plans,' he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed that the responsibility of tackling climate change and disaster risks cannot be overlooked.
'A National Adaptation Plan will also be introduced to handle its effects alongside strengthening the country's preparedness towards climate change,' he said.
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Focus Malaysia
13 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
What is so special about tourism investment zones?
LAST Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled in Parliament the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with RM611 bil earmarked to be spent from 2026 to 2030. What caught my eye was the heading of a Bernama report 'Malaysia tourism growth under 13MP with new investment zones'. Those who have attended the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course (TTEC), rolled out after I have conducted the Training-Of-Trainers in February 2022, may be able to recall that one of the six transformation strategies in the National Tourism Policy of 2020-2030 is to create 'Special Tourism Investment Zones'. Undoubtedly, the many grand master plans unveiled by the federal government over the years have always been world-class, but not so when it comes to implementation and execution. By the end of this year, six years would have elapsed in the 11-year National Tourism Policy. 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That year, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad spoke at the World Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur that the STIZ will focus on infrastructure and technology-based investments. The aim was to stimulate and develop new and alternative tourism areas and products. Since then, the STIZ has not progressed beyond vision and mission statements to pragmatic ideas and concrete actions. But the latest announcement has won praises from various tourism industry leaders, either afraid of offending the government or being left out in future dialogues. One of the most effective new ways to develop and promote international and domestic tourism is to set up one-stop centres in cities and major towns all over the country. These tourism centres are to assemble all the best local foods, goods and services under one roof, making each one a unique experience for visitors. They can be a massive shed using the ground floor only or multi-stories like shopping centres. 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STIZ should not be used to rebrand or hype up long existing products. ‒ Aug 4, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
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