‘RM20bil plan needs local empowerment'

The Star

3 days ago

Parts of Taman Tampoi Indah 2, Johor Baru, experienced flooding back in March following continuous rain. — Filepic
THE Federal Government's pledge to spend over RM20bil on 103 flood mitigation projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has drawn support but with calls for stronger focus on prevention and community preparedness.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said the allocation, through the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB), would reduce flood risks and impacts.
He said 103 RTB projects would be carried out, including at Sungai Langat and Sungai Buloh in Selangor, Sungai Golok in Kelantan, Sungai Gemencheh in Negri Sembilan, Sungai Baru in Melaka, Sungai Muar in Johor, and Sungai Pahang in Pahang, aside from Kuching, Sarawak.
Urban planning and the nation's resilience against flood disasters, he said, would be strengthened by embedding disaster risk management plans in state and local structure plans, alongside early warning systems based on improved artificial intelligence.
Global Environment Centre (GEC) Rivercare Programme manager Dr K. Kalithasan welcomed the scope of the plan.
'I have to admit, it is comprehensive. I was amazed that the Prime Minister covered most aspects of this flood issue, especially the three key strategies on mitigation, adaptation and governance,' he said.
Kalithasan, however, said that while mitigation projects were well‑outlined, preventive measures were not given equal weight.
Kalithasan says while agencies have produced flood hazard maps, the information rarely reaches communities most at risk.
'In Kuala Lumpur and other states, what we have heard lately is of former mining lands being reclaimed for development.
'Water needs space. If we don't preserve lakes and ponds as natural catchments, floods will inevitably encroach into housing areas, highways and other places,' he said.
While agencies have produced flood hazard maps, he said the information rarely reached the communities most at risk.
'The government must empower communities with flood hazard maps, clear information on relief centres and safe evacuation routes.
'Otherwise, no matter how good the infrastructure is, the people won't be ready when disaster strikes,' said Kalithasan.
Ijok resident Wong Shun Jek said the flood mitigation efforts were encouraging, but he also hoped to see more information shared with local communities.
'Employing artificial intelligence is a good idea and I think the Government has done well to incorporate that into mitigation planning,' he said.
'With almost everyone owning a smartphone, we should have real-time information for when there are potential disasters.
'Such alert systems are used in other countries, so hopefully we can have that here too,' said Wong.