KUALA LUMPUR – The government has allocated a whopping RM15 billion for flood mitigation plans until 2030 as a long-term strategy to adapt to climate change.
In tabling the Supply Bill 2023 in Parliament this afternoon, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said most projects will be awarded an estimated expenditure of RM700 million for next year.
“RM562 million will be for the construction of sabo dams in 46 locations nationwide to reduce the risk of debris and mud floods.
“RM2 billion will also be allocated to construct a dual-purpose reservoir to overcome flood problems and as a storage for raw water supply.
“RM500 million will also be allocated to widen rivers in Kelantan as well as the improvement of the weather forecasting system,” he said.
The National Disaster Management Agency, he added, will receive an allocation of RM174 million for next year.
An additional RM400 million will enable the agency to offer immediate assistance ahead of floods at the end of this year.
The government has also provided an early allocation of RM100 million under the National Disaster Relief Fund, which the Finance Ministry says may be increased as needed.
“As a measure to prepare the Malaysian Armed Forces to face any disaster, two additional field hospitals costing RM47 million will be completed by the end of this year in Kluang, Johor, and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
“In addition, 50 ambulance units will also be stationed at military camps, ready to be deployed in the event of a disaster.
“The government has also provided RM20 million under the Geran Pertubuhan Prihatin Komuniti (Prihatin Community Growth Grant) for the benefit of 2,000 resident associations to carry out volunteering activities, which includes participating in firefighting courses to prepare the people to face disasters, such as floods and fires, at the community level.” – The Vibes, October 7, 2022
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