Kuching:Proper land-use planning, regular maintenance, and systematic monitoring are crucial for ensuring that the three new Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects under Budget 2027 effectively reduce flood risks and safeguard lives and property.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) lecturer Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil Md Din stressed the importance of establishing clear performance indicators for each RTB project. These indicators should measure effectiveness based on tangible benefits to residents, rather than just construction progress. Suggested metrics include reductions in flood-prone areas, floodwater depth, and inundation duration, as well as the number of residents affected and economic losses avoided, while considering projections of extreme rainfall due to climate change over the next 20 to 50 years.
The projects include the Kuching City Flood Mitigation Project in Sarawak, the Sungai Golok Flood Diversion Project (Phase 2) in Kelantan, and the Sungai Kemaman Flood Diversion Project in Terengganu. These efforts aim to strengthen resilience against flooding amid increasing risks from extreme rainfall. Prof Mohd Fadhil highlighted the need for accurate hydrological analysis and local condition-based designs, ensuring flood mitigation measures do not exacerbate risks elsewhere.
For the Kuching City project, addressing the combined effects of heavy rainfall, river flows, and high tides is essential. The Sungai Golok project requires a coordinated approach with Thailand, while the Sungai Kemaman project must prevent increased flood risks downstream. Prof Mohd Fadhil suggested employing two-dimensional flood modeling, GIS, IoT sensors, and weather forecast-based early warning systems to enable proactive measures.
Additionally, combining engineering solutions with nature-based approaches, such as protecting catchment areas and creating green spaces, was recommended. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) director Prof Dr Aweng Eh Rak emphasized that changes in land use and human activities could undermine project effectiveness, advocating for proper catchment management and restricting development along floodplains.
Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Faiz Mohd Amin of UMK highlighted the importance of regular maintenance of drainage systems to reduce waterlogging and flash flood risks. He noted the nearly RM320 million allocation for nationwide slope and drainage upgrades as a vital step. Mohamad Faiz also called for RTB projects to align with development planning and strengthen early warning systems and community preparedness.
When presenting Budget 2027, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that six flood mitigation projects worth RM336 million were completed, with 82 more progressing as planned. The government has allocated nearly RM320 million for repairing and upgrading slopes and drainage systems.