PETRA mulls fixed annual flood management funds and river asset system

THE Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has acknowledged the need for fixed annual allocations to support state-level flood management and river maintenance, amid growing calls for more predictable funding and better oversight of water infrastructure assets.

The matter was raised in Parliament by Batu Kawan MP Chow Kon Yeow, who questioned why financial disbursements remain largely ad hoc and suggested the introduction of a central asset-tracking system similar to the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS), but for rivers and flood defences.

In a written response, the ministry said: “The Federal Government is fully aware of the need and suggestion to channel fixed, annual allocations—not on an ad hoc or one-off basis—in line with present requirements to ensure more effective flood management and river maintenance.”

However, it stressed that such a mechanism would require careful policy and legal consideration, given the constitutional framework that places water resources, rivers and drainage squarely under the jurisdiction of the states.

“Although the Federal Government may offer financial and technical assistance, the primary responsibility for river maintenance lies with state governments,” the reply continued.

The ministry also addressed the suggestion for a MARRIS-like system for rivers and flood assets, saying it is currently exploring options for a more integrated and effective approach to infrastructure oversight.

“MARRIS is based on Article 109(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, under the provision for State Road Maintenance Grants,” the ministry explained. “It is designed to assist states in maintaining their road networks, with grants calculated according to Part II of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.”

Funds under MARRIS are distributed based on verified road length data compiled by the Public Works Department (JKR), analysed under a fixed formula, and submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval. Disbursements are then made through each state’s Financial Officer.

In considering a similar system for rivers and flood assets, the ministry said it would need to carefully assess operational frameworks, data integration, and state cooperation to ensure constitutional compliance and administrative feasibility.

“The ministry is currently exploring the best approach towards developing a more integrated and efficient management system in the future,” it added.

The proposal reflects growing pressure to streamline environmental infrastructure governance in the face of worsening climate risks, amid an urgent need for sustainable and coordinated national flood mitigation efforts. - August 4, 2025