Kota Kinabalu: The government has taken proactive steps to address the flood problem by allocating RM22 billion to implement the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects nationwide, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, stated that the allocation includes RTB upgrading works that have been and are being identified, especially in areas frequently hit by floods in the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that areas such as Kota Kinabalu and Penampang experience floods up to four times a year. He mentioned that RTB projects in phases have been implemented, with additional projects for the upcoming phases already listed to resolve the flood issues. Ahmad Zahid made these remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting the Kota Kinabalu Lido flood RTB project areas.
Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, was present during the visit. Ahmad Zahid also announced an additional allocation of about RM800 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan to address floods specifically in the Penampang and Putatan areas.
He further elaborated that a total of 14 RTB projects would be implemented in Sabah, with two flood mitigation projects already completed and in the defect liability period. Ten projects are under construction, and two are in the pre-implementation phase. In Sarawak, 10 flood mitigation projects have been planned, with two completed and in the defect liability period, two under construction, and six in the pre-implementation phase.
Addressing concerns about delays in RTB projects, Ahmad Zahid clarified that the delays were not due to the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) or the contractors. Instead, they were caused by issues such as utility transfer and land acquisition. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the federal and Sabah governments to ensure the smooth implementation of RTB projects and to assist those affected by floods.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government are satisfied with the preparedness and management of recent disasters across the country. The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and all involved agencies, particularly the flood committees at the state or district level.