PETRA embeds nature-based solutions in flood mitigation projects to boost cost-effectiveness, resilience

THE Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is implementing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in flood mitigation projects to deliver direct benefits to communities while ensuring sustainability and cost efficiency

In a parliamentary session on Monday, Dato’ Sri Tuan Ibharim Tuan Man (Kubang Kerian) inquired about the Ministry’s strategies for integrating green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into flood mitigation projects.

In response, Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir confirmed that the Ministry, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), has long incorporated such approaches to enhance cost-effectiveness, resilience, and direct benefits to the public.

“The JPS dams not only serves as flood mitigation but also as a water supply and agricultural irrigation source,” Akmal explained.

“JPS also integrates the principles of the Manual Saliran Mesra Alam (MSMA) in flood mitigation projects. Retention ponds designed to store rainwater are often developed as recreational lakes and green spaces, making projects more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and directly beneficial through recreation, biodiversity enhancement, and flood protection.

“Wetland Putrajaya exemplifies the success of our building-with-nature approach.”

Akmal added the 41st meeting of the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) on 17 April 2023 endorsed the Eco-Friendly Drainage Master Plan (PISMA) as a key reference for state authorities, local councils, developers, and related parties.

PISMA, guided by MSMA, ensures systematic, sustainable development while mitigating flash floods and pollution risks.

The Ministry is also expanding dual-purpose infrastructure, where retention ponds not only reduce flood risks but serve as water sources during dry periods, citing projects such as the Krubong–Durian Tunggal Pond in Melaka and the Sg Klang–Sg Rasau Pond in Selangor.

NAHRIM, in collaboration with Dutch experts under the Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction and Surge Support Programme (DRRS), conducted stakeholder engagement and feasibility studies between March 2024 and June 2025 for nature-based solutions (NBS).

This included strategies for river sediment management, deployment of the NAHRIM Environmental Dredging System (NEDS), sponge city modelling, local sensor development aligned with the AIR 2040 Water Sector Transformation strategy, and rainwater harvesting initiatives.

He said that proposals under the 13th Malaysia Plan have been submitted to implement NBS approaches, supported by feasibility studies and scientifically modelled conceptual designs for technical agencies.

“The Ministry will continue to take into account the views of Honourable Members to strengthen cost-effective and resilient approaches, and will collaborate with all stakeholders, including state governments, to ensure flood mitigation projects are integrated, sustainable, and deliver optimal impact to the people,” the Deputy Minister added - November 3, 2025