Kuala lumpur: The government is prioritising river basin management as a key flood mitigation measure in preparation for a potential La Ni±a phenomenon early next year. Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, announced that this includes the development of infrastructure such as Flood Mitigation Plans, alongside monitoring and early warning systems.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Akmal Nasrullah emphasised that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) is focusing on these measures in the near term and is continuously monitoring the situation. Malaysia is expected to face a brief La Ni±a episode from early winter 2025 until the beginning of 2026, potentially impacting the country’s rainfall patterns.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) recently issued a statement indicating that its long-range weather forecast for September 2025 to February 2026 shows most international climate models predict the current neutral El Ni±o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase, with a 56 percent probability, will persist until October next year.

Akmal Nasrullah further elaborated on the situation, stating that disaster preparedness also involves prioritising maintenance and emergency funding for critical areas. Assessments will be made to determine which agencies should be prioritised in addressing these issues, including budget allocation.

He also urged all parties, including industry players, to collaborate in finding solutions to the country’s water and flood management challenges. He highlighted the need for increased interest and opportunities for private sector involvement, opening the door for those with expertise and technology to contribute more significantly.

The 6th International Conference on Water Resources (ICWR 2025), where Akmal Nasrullah spoke, convened experts, stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss increasingly critical water resource issues in Malaysia, such as floods, droughts, and river pollution.