KUALA LUMPUR: The environment and water ministry estimates that an allocation of RM392 billion would be needed to overcome the country’s flood problems for the next 78 years.
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Its minister, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said the government’s seriousness in dealing with climate change can be seen through its large investments in the water sector.
This included an “off budget” allocation of RM15 billion for eight years from 2023 to 2030 for flood mitigation projects as well as the construction of sabo structures in critical areas severely affected by the northeast monsoon.
“For long-term measures up to (year) 2100, the ministry estimates an allocation of RM392 billion is needed to overcome flood problems in Malaysia.
“This cost estimate, among others, includes the main components of flood mitigation and urban drainage amounting to RM230.71 billion and coastal infrastructure amounting to RM126.55 billion,” he said at the Climate Change Symposium 2022.
Tuan Ibrahim said his ministry was committed to ensuring the people’s well-being through mid and long-term measures, including development plans for infrastructure protection, particularly those involving water-related disasters.
“The ministry is also drafting details for the implementation of climate change adaptation,” he said.
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“The rise in global temperature will further increase the risk of disasters and directly impact the well-being of the people and the economy.
“In this regard, the government has developed the National Water Sector Transformation Agenda 2040 starting with the 12th Malaysia Plan up to the 15th Malaysia Plan.”
He said this agenda also focused on efforts to strengthen sector governance, including mainstreaming adaptation in flood risk management by taking into account the integration of disaster risk management through long and short-term flood management mitigation.
Tuan Ibrahim said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had agreed to lead a national delegation to the Summit of Heads of State and Government on Nov 6 at the 27th Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27-UNFCCC) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Harun, in his opening remarks, said flood issues which were often linked to climate change required all MPs to play a role in creating awareness of the climate crisis in their respective areas.
He said MPs could play a role by getting involved in civil society organisations, including those related to climate change, sustainable development, humanitarian aid and disasters, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and youth groups.
“MPs in civil society will be able to contribute their experience and guidance in providing assistance to local communities affected by disasters,” he said.– FMT