Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia records RM933.4 million in flood losses in 2024, equivalent to 0.05 per cent of the nominal Gross Domestic Product, according to the Special Report on the Impact of Floods in Malaysia released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that the highest losses were recorded in living quarters, surging to RM372.2 million from RM168.3 million in 2023. Losses in public assets and infrastructure were reported at RM303.4 million, down from RM380.7 million in the previous year.

The agriculture sector saw an increase in losses to RM185.2 million, compared to RM120.6 million in 2023, while business premises recorded RM54.1 million in losses, a slight increase from RM53.2 million. Vehicle damages amounted to RM17.3 million, a decrease from RM22.3 million in 2023, and the manufacturing sector experienced the lowest impact at RM1.2 million, down from RM10.3 million.

Mohd Uzir highlighted that the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah were the most significantly affected, particularly in terms of housing and business premises. Losses in vehicle and manufacturing sectors remained relatively modest.

Kelantan experienced the most considerable losses in living quarters, amounting to RM139.0 million, followed by Terengganu at RM103.1 million and Kedah at RM54.0 million. The hardest-hit districts in Kelantan included Pasir Mas, Tumpat, and Kota Bharu, with damages of RM46.2 million, RM31.7 million, and RM19.2 million, respectively.

In Terengganu, Besut recorded the highest living quarters losses at RM38.4 million, followed by Setiu and Kemaman. For Kedah, Kota Setar and Kubang Pasu were the most affected, with losses of RM22.0 million and RM9.4 million, followed by Baling at RM6.9 million.

Kelantan also led in business premises losses with RM27.1 million, followed by Terengganu and Kedah. Terengganu recorded the highest vehicle damage losses at RM5.8 million, with Kelantan and Kedah following.

Based on a case study by DOSM, Mohd Uzir reported that 65 per cent of flood victims received assistance within 48 hours. More than 45 per cent of the victims prepared for disasters by stocking up on essential supplies, while 17 per cent subscribed to insurance for financial security. However, less than 0.1 per cent chose not to have insurance coverage, and 25 per cent did not make any preparations, increasing their risk of difficulties during and after the floods.