SHAH ALAM, Jan 22 — The federal government has set up a joint task force of state and local authorities to address flood mitigation project delays and ensure faster resolution of on-site issues, said Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said the government acknowledges that flooding is one of the country’s most pressing challenges due to climate change and increasingly extreme weather patterns.
“This task force allows all parties to come together to find solutions so that any problems on site can be comprehensively resolved and we can focus on finishing critical projects to address the impact of floods on the people,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He added that the task force model, initially implemented in Johor, has since been expanded to other states, with most now adopting a similar approach to improve the planning, monitoring and coordination of flood mitigation projects nationwide.
The deputy prime minister said 141 flood mitigation projects have been approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), comprising 20 new and 121 continuing projects, with 43 identified as high-priority.
“Of the 43 high-priority projects, 37 are on schedule or ahead of schedule, while six are delayed,” he said.
In Selangor, delayed projects include the Sungai Klang in Section 25 and Sungai Damansara.
“These delays are caused by various issues, including land acquisition matters, the need to relocate utility (lines), technical approval processes involving multiple agencies, and extreme and unforeseen weather conditions.”
Fadillah said his ministry views the delays seriously and has introduced improvements to strengthen project delivery.
“Among the measures taken are tighter and more regular project monitoring, restructuring of work schedules, enforcement of contract terms including action against underperforming contractors, and closer coordination with state governments and local authorities to expedite approvals and resolve issues at the ground level.”
While awaiting the completion of major flood mitigation projects, Fadillah said that his ministry, through the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), is prioritising short-term mitigation measures to protect residents in affected areas.
These include river rehabilitation works to lower flood risks, such as riverbed dredging, riverbank stabilisation, and upgrades to drainage and related structures.
Fadhlillah said RM556.6 million was allocated from 2022 to 2025 to implement these short-term measures nationwide, based on state-identified areas at high risk of flooding.
