Kelantan: The federal government has decided to expedite flood mitigation projects in Kelantan to address the state’s perennial flooding problem, which disrupts the lives of people, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said this includes exploring new methods not only to tackle the flood issue but also to resolve water shortages during drought seasons.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that Kelantan has identified several key projects that are crucial for addressing these issues. He stated that despite the high costs associated with the phased flood mitigation projects, they must be expedited to prevent the continuation of yearly floods. Anwar expressed a commitment to ensuring that the flood situation does not remain unmanageable as governments change.
He further elaborated on the necessity to adopt new approaches, urging the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, along with the Ministries of Economy and Finance, to explore innovative methods. Anwar highlighted the potential of storing overflowing floodwater for use during dry seasons, indicating that technology and effort could make this feasible. He made these remarks during his speech at the Kelantan-level Aidilfitri MADANI 2025 celebration at Pantai Irama.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Earlier, Anwar participated in the State Development Meeting in Kota Bharu with the Menteri Besar, describing it as part of the MADANI Government’s new approach to addressing state-specific issues during his visits. He emphasized the importance of expediting land acquisition to fast-track the flood mitigation projects.
Anwar expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the state and federal governments, underscoring the importance of working together despite differences. He stressed that the effort to address issues such as poverty, neglect, and environmental challenges is a national agenda, not a partisan one.