Putrajaya:Land clearing and river alterations must account for their effects on downstream communities, not just those within project boundaries, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah, who also serves as the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of upstream development decisions, especially as Malaysia faces complex challenges such as floods, changing rainfall patterns, and climate change.
Fadillah stated that water resilience must remain a strategic national priority, influencing urban planning, land management, water catchment protection, and infrastructure investments. He stressed the interconnected nature of water systems and the need for foresight and coordination in managing the country's water resources.
Dams, drainage networks, and flood mitigation structures continue to be essential for community protection, he noted. Their effectiveness is enhanced when natural ecosystems are preserved. Healthy water catchments regulate water flows, while wetlands help store water, slow its movement, and filter pollutants.
Nature-based solutions, when properly designed and maintained, can complement conventional engineering infrastructure in addressing water-related risks and providing environmental benefits. Fadillah called for closer cooperation among agencies responsible for water management, environmental protection, land-use planning, and infrastructure development.
Malaysia has developed practical approaches to river management, flood mitigation, urban drainage, and sustainable stormwater management, supported by research institutions and universities. Fadillah cited UNESCO Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites as platforms for evaluating solutions and identifying adaptable approaches.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the need for scientific evidence and practical experience in development planning and infrastructure investment. He highlighted the importance of partnerships, research, and community participation in achieving safer neighborhoods and healthier rivers.
The International Conference on Ecohydrology and Water Resilience (ICEWR 2026), organized by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia and Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur with UNESCO and other partners, drew 200 participants. The two-day event aimed to foster sustainable collaboration for a secure and resilient water future.