JICA System Has Potential To Address Floods - Experts

Despite the government’s efforts to address flooding nationwide, the impact of these natural disasters remains profound, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit and, tragically, the loss of lives.

This final article in a three-part series on flood management examines the potential of the flood mitigation system developed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as part of Malaysia’s efforts to address these challenges.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), the government allocated RM950 million to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage for river conservation and unforeseen flood-related emergencies.

Of this amount, a total of RM410 million was earmarked for river conservation to reduce flood risks, while the remainder was allocated for various initiatives, including repairing structures damaged by floods nationwide.

This figure does not include other allocations by the government to address flood issues in the country, such as implementing flood mitigation projects in high-risk areas.

Experts estimate that flood management-related expenditures will continue to rise in the coming years, as global climate change is expected to intensify natural disasters, including floods.

In light of this, they urge authorities to conduct more frequent studies to monitor weather patterns, enabling the country to better prepare for more severe natural disasters in the future.

 CLIMATE CHANGE

Permanent Member of the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, said predicting flooding during the Northeast Monsoon is challenging due to various factors influencing rainfall distribution.

“Typically, heavy rainbands at the onset of the Northeast Monsoon occur along the eastern coast of Malaysia and southern Thailand. As a result, floods are common every year during the Northeast Monsoon, either along the east coast of Malaysia or in southern Thailand.

The current state of the collapsed area of ​​the Kelantan River bank near a condominium in Jalan Post Office Lama during a recent survey.

 “Whether the flooding is severe or not depends on the monsoon surge winds. The stronger the surge winds, the more rain (they bring), and the situation worsens if it coincides with high tides," he explained when contacted by Bernama.

He emphasised the importance of conducting regular studies to analyse weather trends and patterns, particularly as the world is experiencing the effects of climate change.

Meanwhile, climate expert Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang stressed that in light of the escalating climate crisis, the government must explore ways to strengthen the nation’s resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as floods and droughts.

"Even if we can predict these events in advance, when they occur, they still result in losses amounting to billions of ringgit. Therefore, we need to focus on adaptation, as the climate crisis is expected to worsen over the next few decades," he told Bernama.

Fredolin, who previously headed the Department of Earth Sciences and Environment at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, also underscored the critical importance of authorities' commitment to ensuring sustainable development that does not increase the nation’s vulnerability to climate disasters.

"We can focus on integrated climate adaptation efforts, but can we ensure future development is more sustainable and does not heighten exposure to climate disasters? We are not only facing extreme weather such as heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, and heatwaves but also rising sea levels, which could submerge low-lying areas in Malaysia and threaten agricultural regions," he added.

Further elaborating, Fredolin suggested that Malaysia reassess whether previously implemented flood mitigation projects are capable of handling the increased rainfall intensity now exacerbated by climate change.

POTENTIAL OF JICA SYSTEM

Experts believe that Japan's flood management system is among the best in the world, and Malaysia could consider adopting a similar approach.

The flood management system developed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is based on an integrated approach encompassing infrastructure, technology, education, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Mohd Lokman Mat Nor, 46, (right) with his employer Hasmizi Admin, 43, (left) looking at the structure of part of a house that collapsed in a big storm during a Bernama survey in Kampung Dalam Rhu, Pachakang.

Elaborating on JICA's flood management system, environmental governance and sustainability science expert, Associate Prof Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said that JICA employs a Multi-Layered Flood Management approach involving three main components: structural measures, non-structural measures, and immediate post-flood recovery plans.

 “Structural measures include the construction of dams, flood channels, and retention basins. Non-structural measures involve early warning systems, flood risk maps, and public education, while immediate post-flood recovery plans encompass community aid.

"For example, the Arakawa River project in Tokyo illustrates how a large channel was built to divert water from the Arakawa River to other areas, preventing urban flooding. The 6.3-kilometre-long underground tunnel can manage water flow of up to 200,000 cubic metres per second or approximately 720 million cubic metres per hour, resulting in no major floods in Tokyo over the past 30 years, even during heavy rainfall," she told Bernama.

Haliza said Malaysia needs a system like JICA's due to the frequency and impact of disasters on society and the country.

"Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, which in turn increases the risk of flash floods and major flooding. The impact of these disasters is worsening due to the lack of integrated drainage infrastructure, as the current system still relies on outdated structure incapable of handling today’s exceptional rainfall," she explained.

Sharing similar sentiments, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Prof Dr Zulkifli Yusop, said now is the time for Malaysia to establish a flood management system akin to Japan's.

Prof Dr Zulkifli Yusop

 “Future floods are expected to be larger and more severe if there is no investment in mitigation structures. Kelantan is the only state (besides the Federal Territory) that still lacks a dam for either flood control or water supply, and such facilities need to be constructed in the upstream basin.

"In downstream areas, flood mitigation structures such as flood levees or flood walls can be built along rivers prone to overflow. Additionally, pumps, retention ponds, and diversion canals should also be considered," he added.

ADAPTING JICA SYSTEM TO LOCAL CONTEXT

The Dean of the Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Prof Dr Hafizan Juahir, said Malaysia could adopt the system developed by JICA but emphasised the need to tailor it to local conditions.

"Among the features that can be adapted include data-driven planning using computer modelling and data analysis to predict floods, study their causes, and plan mitigation measures.

“Innovative infrastructure, such as building underground tunnels like the ‘Tokyo Flood Tunnel’ to divert water to safer areas, could be constructed in major cities like Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.

 “Additionally, Malaysia needs to invest in scientific research to understand the unique causes of flooding in the East Coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia, including the effects of climate change and urbanisation," he said.

Hafizan also recommended that authorities utilise artificial intelligence (AI) for more accurate flood predictions and deploy sensors to monitor river and drainage water levels, enabling real-time alerts to the responsible parties.

UPM’s Haliza further highlighted the potential of developing risk mapping systems using satellite technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), similar to Japan’s Flood Risk Maps which display risk zones based on rainfall distribution and river overflow potential.

Landslides in the residential area of ​​Taman Desa Mas, Machang as a result of the floods that occurred.

  “Japan has successfully reduced the impact of floods through continuous education and training for its citizens on disaster preparedness. Similarly, Malaysia could introduce disaster awareness campaigns and community education on safety measures and evacuation plans," she added.

On Dec 3, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will review recommendations from JICA's study to construct high embankments along coastal areas to address flooding nationwide.

He noted that this proposal, initially raised about 20 years ago, could be pursued once the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects across the country are completed.

Anwar further said the government has allocated nearly RM15 billion for RTB projects nationwide as part of efforts to control flooding, in addition to utilising the latest technology for weather forecasting to inform the public.

However, he acknowledged that these measures alone are insufficient to fully address the issue.

Translated by Salbiah Said