KUALA LUMPUR – In a significant effort to address the pressing issue of flooding across the country, the federal government, as outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan, has allocated a substantial budget of RM22 billion to fund flood mitigation projects.
During his address when tabling Budget 2024 at the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the critical importance of these long-term, high-impact projects in safeguarding the welfare of the people and preventing further loss of life and property.
“Next year, a total of 33 high priority flood mitigation projects, with a cost of RM11.8 billion, will commence implementation,” said the finance minister.
“These projects include initiatives such as the flood mitigation plan for the Pahang River Basin, Sg Langat Phase 2, Sg Jelai, Sg Likas, Kuching Phase 2, Baling Phase 2, and Integrated River Basin Development for Sg Kelantan Phase 2.
Anwar also said that letters of acceptance (LoA) for 24 of these projects, with a combined cost of RM5.1 billion, are anticipated to be issued by this month.
The remaining projects are slated to receive their LoA in the first quarter of 2024.
To mitigate the risk of stagnant water and flash floods, Anwar announced RM20 million allocated to 150 local authorities to conduct repairs on damaged ditches and drains.
“To address the risk of landslides, such as the one in Batang Kali, Selangor that occurred late last year, the government has allocated RM563 million for nationwide slope repairs.
“This initiative includes monitoring, prevention, reporting programmes, and early warning systems, encompassing over 2,000 high-risk slopes,” he said.
Overall, the prime minister announced that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the primary agency responsible for flood preparedness, with an allocation of RM300 million.
“This includes an immediate disbursement of RM100 million, utilising this year’s allocation to ensure seamless flood preparedness by year-end.
“The government has approved an increase in the allocation under the National Disaster Relief Fund to RM200 million for the upcoming year, compared to RM100 million this year.
“Nadma will also enhance the living conditions in evacuation centres to ensure victims’ well-being.
“This includes establishing nine permanent transfer centres, renovating facilities in 1,500 temporary transfer centres, and leasing mobile toilets. The government is committed to increasing allocations as needed to ensure the highest level of disaster management.”
In honour of Blake, a member of the Fire K9 Detection Unit who dedicated his service to the nation, the government is taking steps to improve facilities and medical care for the Fire and Rescue Department’s K9 dogs.
Additionally, the allocation of RM5 million will be utilised to increase the number of K9 detection dogs for the Fire, Police, and Customs Departments. — October 13, 2023