KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 — The government is considering a recommendation from a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to construct high embankments along the coastline to tackle flooding issues nationwide.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the recommendation, made about two decades ago, could be pursued once the nationwide flood mitigation plans (RTBs) are completed.
“There was a recommendation, I believe more than 20 years ago, made by the Japanese government through a JICA project, to address flood issues along the west coast (of Malaysia). Back in the 1990s, the required cost was already around RM10 billion, and now it might be RM20 billion.
“Among others, JICA recommended that high embankments be built along the coastline. Of course, this will take time, and hopefully, once the economy is stronger, we can resolve our flood mitigation issues,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat here today.
Anwar said this in reply to a supplementary question from Tanjong Manis MP Yusuf Abd Wahab, who asked about the government’s approach to solving the annual flood woes, which cost hundreds of millions each year.
Anwar said, so far, the government has allocated nearly RM15 billion for RTB projects nationwide in a bid to address the flood issues, in addition to utilising the latest technology to predict weather patterns for public dissemination.
However, he acknowledged these efforts were insufficient, and no country can control the weather, even those with the best technologies, such as China, the United States, and Europe.
“But efforts must be made… It’s just that this year, the rainfall was unprecedented, far higher than expected, with five days of rain equaling the total rainfall of six months,” he said.
The Prime Minister said several areas in Kelantan, for example, recorded rainfall readings of over 1,167mm within five days from November 26 to 30, and in several areas in Terengganu, the rainfall readings reached up to 1,761mm in the same period.
Meanwhile, in reply to Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) regarding road damage caused by floods, Anwar said the government has provided nearly RM1 billion in immediate assistance to address various damages, with priority given to repairing schools, hospitals and roads.
“I agree with Tumpat MP that if the house is completely destroyed, the government should consider providing reasonable compensation so that they can rebuild. However, I cannot make a specific commitment at this point…we are still awaiting comprehensive information and will review it carefully.
“We will look at the overall situation, but I assure you immediate needs such as food, water, and basic facilities, including repairing damaged roads, should be prioritised. As for upgrading state roads to federal roads, I have to wait for reports from the Works Ministry and the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry before we can reassess,” he said.
In reply to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding assistance for flash flood victims, Anwar said the government will consider providing compensation, but it cannot be expedited as there is procedure to be followed.
— Bernama
