13MP Prioritises Flood Mitigation With 43 High-impact Projects Fast-tracked

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The government will strengthen nationwide flood mitigation efforts under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) through three key strategies, including the fast-tracking of 43 high-priority flood mitigation projects (RTB) in economic and high-density zones.

According to the 13MP document released by the Ministry of Economy today, RM12 billion in special funding allocated since last year will be used to accelerate the RTB projects. These include key initiatives in Kuching, Sungai Johor and Sungai Muar basins, Sungai Pahang, Baling, Sungai Likas, and Sungai Trolak.

Project implementation will be overseen by dedicated RTB task forces and monitored through coordination meetings chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, the document stated.

To enhance disaster preparedness, artificial intelligence-powered early warning systems will be expanded across major river basins at a cost of RM398 million. The aim is to deliver faster and more accurate flood forecasts, while boosting community readiness.

The government also plans to repurpose abandoned mining sites and recreational ponds as flood retention basins and develop multi-functional infrastructure that supports flood control, hydroelectric generation, alternative water supply, and recreational use.

Adaptive infrastructure will be strengthened through flood-resilient building concepts such as floating homes, stilted buildings and flood-proof materials. Urban planning will adopt ‘sponge city’ guidelines to increase water absorption and storage capacity in flood-prone areas.

The plan calls for systematic upgrades in the planning, development and maintenance of flood control infrastructure, drainage systems and watershed areas. Land use planning and enforcement of development standards will be tightened to increase flood resilience.

Collaboration with state governments will also be strengthened, particularly in land acquisition for RTB projects. Recovery plans will be developed to expedite the restoration of basic services and resumption of economic activity in flood-affected areas.

The role of the Central Disaster Management Committee will be reinforced to improve national coordination, including through community-based disaster risk management programmes.

The 13MP builds on gains under the 12th Malaysia Plan, which saw 17 RTB projects completed. In 2023, RM220 million was allocated for drainage upgrades and pond maintenance, while RM600 million was set aside for flood preparedness in 2024.

Vulnerable communities also received RM16.7 million in post-flood recovery assistance.

The MADANI Relief Fund received RM35.8 million in contributions from 23 private companies this year to support disaster response initiatives, the document added.

-- BERNAMA