The government has allocated RM4.32 billion over five years for flood mitigation, with annual spending rising to RM1.39 billion in 2025.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has spent RM4.32 billion over the past five years to implement the Flood Mitigation Plan nationwide.
Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said annual expenditure rose from RM541 million in 2021 to RM1.39 billion in 2025.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that this funding supports phased RTB projects implemented by his ministry through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
“For Sabah, a total of 15 projects worth RM948.1 million are being or have been implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said in reply to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran).
“These projects have so far succeeded in reducing flood hotspot areas from 798 to 517.”
Akmal Nasrullah said RM35.76 million was channelled to Sabah between 2022 and 2024 for river conservation projects.
Another RM10.64 million has been allocated for 2025 for 58 quotations expected to be completed by December.
He added that non-structural approaches are being strengthened through Flood Mitigation Master Plan studies.
Six master plans have been completed so far with one still in progress.
The study aims to formulate more effective development policies based on land use, demographic and rainfall changes.
Akmal Nasrullah said the government will ensure all new projects consider effects on drainage systems and flood risks.
“For example, in Sabah, Sungai Moyog faces flow challenges from the Crocker Range to Putatan,” he said.
“The first phase of the project under the 12MP is ongoing, while Phase 2A, worth RM250 million, will continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan.”
Responding to Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) on project effectiveness, Akmal Nasrullah said his ministry assesses each project based on protection area and risk reduction achieved.
“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
