THE government has emphasised the importance of flood preparedness as the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season reaches its peak, coinciding with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
Through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water (PETRA), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) has maintained continuous readiness since the onset of the 2025/2026 monsoon in November 2025, with the season expected to conclude in March 2026.
PETRA highlighted that proactive planning, coordination of resources, and operational readiness remain central priorities to manage flood risks effectively and comprehensively.
As of 17 March 2026, JPS had recorded 745 flood incidents nationwide, with the exception of the Federal Territory of Putrajaya.
Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said PETRA has implemented multiple strategic measures to ensure optimal preparedness.
These include round-the-clock flood monitoring using predictive models across 36 river basins, supported by 1,798 hydrological telemetry stations tracking rainfall and river levels.
To date, 64 early flood alerts and 39 formal flood warnings have been issued.
Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water said a nationwide network of 614 flood sirens and 197 live-monitoring cameras has also been deployed, with 675 siren activations recorded as of 16 March 2026 to provide early warning to residents in high-risk areas.
JPS has identified 3,682 flood “hotspots” across the country, based on repeated flooding over the past three years, with the highest concentrations in Pahang (760 locations), Kelantan (618), and Sabah (517).
Emergency infrastructure, including 606 mobile pumps of varying capacities, 1,079 water control gates, and 285 pump houses, remains fully operational.
The department continues to monitor 16 dams, 761 flood retention ponds, and maintain high-risk river basins to mitigate flooding.
Coordination with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and telecommunications providers ensures flood alerts are disseminated via SMS to communities in forecasted risk areas.
PETRA has also worked with state authorities to standardise dam water release procedures, enhancing reservoir capacity management during the monsoon.
“The public is encouraged to follow official flood forecasts and alerts issued by JPS through the Public Infobanjir website and the MyPublicInfoBanjir mobile application, available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store,” Fadillah said in a statement issued by PETRA on Thursday.
He added that PETRA remains committed to executing flood preparedness and disaster management efficiently and in a coordinated manner to safeguard communities and support national sustainability.
This announcement underlines Malaysia’s proactive approach to climate resilience and public safety amid seasonal monsoon challenges, ensuring that residents can celebrate Hari Raya in a secure environment. - March 19, 2026
