KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government plans to bolster disaster management through a comprehensive drainage and irrigation strategy aimed at mitigating flood risks across the state. This initiative, announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, underscores the importance of modernizing infrastructure to handle severe weather events more effectively.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government intends to construct concrete drains and implement environmentally friendly drainage systems as part of its efforts. The Environmentally Friendly Drainage Master Plan (PISMA) is a central feature of this strategy, targeting major towns with the goal of reducing the likelihood of flash floods through improved and resilient drainage infrastructure. Recent floods in Kelantan caused over RM300 million in damages, disrupting infrastructure, including roads and buildings, and impacting the agricultural sector.

In addition to the drainage plan, Mohd Nassuruddin revealed that the state government has amended the State of Kelantan Water Resources Enactment. This amendment focuses on preserving water catchment areas and rivers, aiming to maintain the ecological balance that is crucial for sustainable development and disaster prevention in the region.