KUALA LUMPUR: The government is contemplating the recommendation from a 20-year-old study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to construct high embankments along Malaysia’s coastline as a long-term solution to the nation’s flood issues. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted this during the Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat, emphasizing that this initiative could be pursued following the completion of the nationwide Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister mentioned that the recommendation was initially made by the Japanese Government through a JICA project in the 1990s. The estimated cost back then was around RM10 billion, which might have doubled to RM20 billion today. Anwar stressed that while the construction of high embankments would take time, it is a crucial step towards resolving the persistent flood challenges once the country’s economy strengthens.

Anwar was responding to a query from Yusuf Abd Wahab (GPS-Ta
njong Manis) regarding the government’s strategy to tackle the annual flood problems, which incur significant financial losses each year. He stated that the government has so far allocated nearly RM15 billion for RTB projects across the nation and is utilizing advanced technology to predict weather patterns for public awareness. Despite these efforts, Anwar acknowledged the limitations faced by all countries, including those with cutting-edge technologies like China, the United States, and Europe, in controlling weather conditions.

He noted that recent unprecedented rainfall has exacerbated the situation, with five days of rain equaling the total rainfall typically expected over six months. Specifically, regions like Kelantan and Terengganu experienced extreme rainfall, with readings surpassing 1,167 millimetres and 1,761 millimetres, respectively, within just five days.

In response to concerns raised by Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) about road damage due to floods, the Prime Minister also announced that
the government has allocated nearly RM1 billion in immediate assistance to address various infrastructural damages. The focus is on repairing critical facilities such as schools, hospitals, and roads to mitigate the impact of flooding on daily life and economic activities.