GOVT SPENDS RM4.32 BILLION ON FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The government has spent RM4.32 billion over the past five years to implement the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) nationwide, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said annual expenditure had risen from RM541 million in 2021 to RM1.39 billion in 2025, in line with the phased implementation of RTB projects under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

“For Sabah, a total of 15 projects worth RM948.1 million are being or have been implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). These projects have so far succeeded in reducing flood hotspot areas from 798 to 517,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran).

Akmal Nasrullah said that under the river conservation project to reduce flood risk, RM35.76 million had been channelled to Sabah between 2022 and 2024 for 288 quotations, while another RM10.64 million has been allocated for 2025 for 58 quotations expected to be completed by December.

He said that apart from structural measures, non-structural approaches are also being strengthened through the implementation of the Flood Mitigation Master Plan Study (PITB), with six master plans completed so far and one still in progress.

The study, he said, aims to formulate more effective development policies and strategies based on changes in land use, demographics and rainfall frequency.

Akmal Nasrullah added that the government will also ensure that all new projects take into account the effects on drainage systems and flood risks.

“For example, in Sabah, Sungai Moyog faces flow challenges from the Crocker Range to Putatan. The first phase of the project under the 12MP is ongoing, while Phase 2A, worth RM250 million, will continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP),” he said.

Replying to a supplementary question from Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) on the effectiveness of flood mitigation initiatives, Akmal Nasrullah said PETRA assesses each project based on the area of protection and the level of risk reduction achieved after implementation.

“Each project is planned based on a specific problem statement to enable DID to identify priority areas for more effective mitigation measures,” he said.

-- BERNAMA