KPKT To Implement Three-Phase Plan To Tackle Flood Hotspots Over 12 Months - Nga

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A three-phase action plan to address flood-prone areas will be implemented over 12 months until October next year, covering short, medium and long term measures, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

He said short-term measures would include clearing drains, removing silt and obstructions, and inspecting retention ponds, pumping stations and sluice gates to reduce flood risks, particularly ahead of the Northeast Monsoon.

“For the medium term, the focus will be on upgrading drainage systems and resolving bottlenecks in water flow based on technical assessments,” he said.

He was speaking after chairing the kick-off meeting to coordinate the National Master Plan for Flood Hotspots, involving the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), here today.

Long-term measures will involve solutions at the drainage system and river basin levels, including infrastructure planning that takes into account changes in land use, future development and rising risks from extreme rainfall.

Nga said flood risk management required integrated cooperation among ministries and departments, guided by accurate data and a clear division of responsibilities to ensure effective action on the ground.

“The national master plan is expected to strengthen efforts to prevent and reduce flood disaster risks, while enhancing preparedness and supporting early warning mechanisms to safeguard public safety and well-being,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said 284 flash flood hotspots had been addressed and removed from the list of flood-risk areas over the past three years.

According to the Local Government Department records as of Oct 7, a total of 1,445 flash flood hotspots were recorded nationwide, down from 1,466 in January this year.

He said the net reduction of 21 locations was recorded after 284 hotspots had been addressed, while 263 new hotspots were identified for immediate intervention.

The national master plan was drawn up following a Cabinet meeting decision on Sept 30, which stipulated that flood hotspot management should cover urban and rural areas, including villages.

-- BERNAMA