BUDGET 2025: RTB PROJECTS ACCELERATE FLOOD MITIGATION FOR WELL-BEING OF PEOPLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- In light of the increasingly apparent effects of climate change resulting in extreme weather and flooding across the country, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is committed to expediting the implementation of flood mitigation projects as outlined in the 2025 Budget.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that 12 flood mitigation projects (RTB) costing RM3 billion have received letters of acceptance this year and are on schedule.

They involve the RTB Sungai Damansara in Selangor; RTB Sungai Likas in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, RTB Sungai Triang in Bera, Pahang; RTB Sungai Tepoh and Banggol Air Lilih in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu; and the Integrated River Basin Development Phase 2 for Sungai Kelantan in Kota Bharu.

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“To date, the government has successfully completed eight flood mitigation projects (RTB) valued at RM540 million,” said the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation in a statement today.

In facing the flash flood disaster affecting the capital and several other cities, as an immediate measure, RM150 million has been allocated to local authorities and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) for the commencement of drainage cleaning and river dredging work, he added.

This year, PETRA, through JPS, has planned both short- and long-term solutions for 4,619 flood-prone areas or flood hotspots identified by the department nationwide

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The government has allocated RM945 million for the implementation of 119 flood mitigation projects for 2024, aiming to reduce the impact of floods and damage to public property. Of this total, 93 projects are currently underway, and 26 projects are in the pre-implementation stage.

PETRA has also developed master plans for flood mitigation based on major river basins across the country as a long-term solution, targeting a comprehensive resolution to the flooding problem.

As of this year, 49 flood mitigation master plans have been completed, seven plans are under development, and three more are scheduled to begin development as early as Dec 2024.

From 2020 to 2023, a total of 26 flood mitigation projects, comprising 17 structural projects and nine non-structural projects, have been completed.

The 2025 Budget also focuses on the development of the energy and water sectors, with a total allocation of RM4.95 billion, comprising operational expenditure of RM362.67 million and development expenditure of RM4.59 billion.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said that among other announcements related to PETRA in the 2025 Budget is the provision of over RM300 million for the National Energy Transition Facilitation fund to promote the implementation of energy transition-related initiatives and projects.

Also listed is the extension of the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme until June 30, 2025, to enable more rooftops to be utilised for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, and the continuation of the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) with a total financing of RM1 billion until 2026.

“Several National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) projects have also entered the implementation phase, including the Kenyir Hybrid Hydro Floating Solar Farm and the Terengganu Green Hydrogen Hub – 1,000 megawatts, along with the Large Scale Solar (LSS) Programme,” he said.

Fadillah also said that e-Rebates of up to RM70 million are provided to encourage consumers and the industry to purchase energy-efficient electrical equipment while the Energy Performance Contract will be introduced for use by all government agencies as part of the energy efficiency initiative in the public sector. 

“Through the announcement of the 2025 Budget, the government’s main focus is to generate change through fiscal responsibility and governance, stimulate the economy by raising the productivity and national income, and improve the welfare of the people by raising living standards and strengthening social security,” he said.

In addition, Fadillah said the 2025 Budget reflects the federal government's determination to enhance the implementation of the energy transition and water transformation agenda and policies for the holistic and integrated benefit of the people.

He emphasised that the 2025 Budget, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is centred on 'People First,' thus demonstrating the government's commitment to ensuring the welfare of the people, uplifting their dignity, and upholding their rights.

-- BERNAMA