Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's flood-related losses in 2025 decreased to RM636.9 million compared to RM933.4 million in 2024, equivalent to 0.03 percent of the nominal Gross Domestic Product, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Special Report on Impact of Floods in Malaysia 2025 released today highlighted that public assets and infrastructure accounted for the highest losses, rising to RM380.2 million from RM303.4 million in 2024. Living quarters saw a decline in losses to RM183.8 million, down from RM372.2 million the previous year.
The agriculture sector's losses reduced to RM52.6 million from RM185.2 million in 2024, while business premises recorded RM13.4 million in losses, a decrease from RM54.1 million. Vehicle damages amounted to RM6.8 million, and the manufacturing sector experienced the lowest impact at RM0.1 million, compared to RM17.3 million and RM1.2 million respectively in 2024.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that Sarawak experienced the highest losses in living quarters at RM32.6 million, followed by Sabah with RM27.7 million and Johor with RM26.2 million. Business premises losses were also higher in Sarawak at RM2.7 million, followed by Johor at RM2.1 million and Sabah at RM1.8 million.
Mohd Uzir further explained that over 51.2 percent of flood victims took proactive measures by maintaining reserves of daily necessities for emergencies. Additionally, 5.5 percent of victims had insurance coverage for financial protection, although 22.5 percent made no preparations, increasing their vulnerability during floods.
The report also highlighted that damages to furniture represented 42.8 percent of the total losses, while other household items accounted for 29.4 percent. Electrical appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions contributed 27.8 percent to the recorded damage.
Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of improving preparedness, enhancing financial protection, and building household resilience to mitigate the impact of future flood events.