Federal Govt invests billions in flood mitigation projects with tangible impact in Sabah - Akmal

THE Government has invested RM4.32 billion in flood mitigation projects across the country over the last five years, with targeted initiatives in Sabah showing measurable success in reducing flood-prone areas, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water (PETRA) announced on Tuesday.

Speaking in Parliament, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said today that through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the initiative had employed both structural and non-structural approaches to manage flood risks.

In reply to a question raised in the Dewan Rakyat, Akmal stated: “For Sabah, 15 flood mitigation projects with a total estimated cost of RM948.1 million have been implemented under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan.”

“To date, four projects have been completed, two are in the pre-implementation phase, and nine are ongoing. These initiatives have reduced flood hotspots from 798 locations to 517, demonstrating the effectiveness of our mitigation efforts.”

He added that smaller-scale interventions under the River Conservation Project had received RM35.76 million from 2022 to 2024, covering 288 works including river channelling, embankment stabilisation, and structural upgrades.

In 2025, RM10.64 million was allocated to 58 additional works, expected to be completed by December.

On non-structural measures, Akmal highlighted the preparation of Flood Mitigation Master Plans to guide policy and development strategies.

“Six master plans have been completed to date, with a seventh in progress. These plans will continue to evolve based on land use, demographics, climate change, and rainfall patterns,” he said.

The Deputy Minister concluded that the combination of structural projects and strategic planning had successfully reduced the frequency, risk, and impact of flooding nationwide, including in Sabah. - October 28, 2025