Why are approved flood mitigation projects not yet started?

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Approved Flood Mitigation Projects Have Not Yet Commenced

Approved flood mitigation projects have not yet commenced, despite being greenlit. The Parliamentary Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Special Select Committee has urged the government to initiate these projects without further delay. The committee's evaluation highlighted that major contributing factors to urban flooding include altered rainfall patterns, the effects of urbanisation and unintegrated development, and inadequate drainage systems.
Committee Urges Immediate Project Initiation

The Parliamentary Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Special Select Committee has strongly recommended that the government proceed with the immediate implementation of approved flood mitigation projects. Committee chairman Yusuf Abdul Wahab stated that these projects, which received approval last year, have yet to see any commencement of work. This call for immediate action underscores the urgency perceived by the committee regarding flood preparedness.
Identified Causes of Urban Flooding

Through presentations from the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Irrigation and Drainage Department, the committee identified several key reasons for frequent flooding in city centres. These include significant changes in prevailing rainfall patterns, the cumulative impact of urbanisation, development projects that are not holistically integrated, and drainage infrastructure that is insufficient to manage water volume. These factors collectively contribute to the vulnerability of urban areas to inundation.
Additional Committee Recommendations

Beyond the immediate implementation of approved projects, the committee put forth several other recommendations. These include the necessity of conducting studies and analyses utilizing the most current data to reassess areas prone to flooding. Furthermore, the committee suggested the development of follow-up projects subsequent to the completion of the Smart Tunnel. They also highlighted the need for more comprehensive data collection on losses incurred due to flash floods and a thorough cost-effectiveness and impact study for projects in flash flood-affected zones. The establishment of a centralised agency to regulate and monitor urban floods was also proposed.
Government's Prior Flood Mitigation Plans

In October of the previous year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced plans for the implementation of 33 high-priority flood mitigation projects in the upcoming year, with an allocated budget of RM11.8 billion. Additionally, it was reported that the government intends to allocate RM20 million to 150 local authorities. This funding is designated for the repair of damaged drains, aimed at reducing the risks associated with stagnant and flash floods.

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Why are approved flood mitigation projects not yet started?

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