SHAH ALAM, April 21 — The Netherlands is seeking to formalise cooperation with Selangor through a working agreement to strengthen flood mitigation efforts, including reducing damage and casualties from climate-related disasters, said its ambassador to Malaysia Jacques Werner.
The top Dutch diplomat hopes to deepen collaboration with the state, especially in water management, with both sides already engaged in ongoing discussions and pilot initiatives.
“In the Netherlands, we have a strong reputation in water management, and we are promoting the philosophy of nature-based solutions. That is what we are currently exploring with Selangor.
“I hope we can move towards signing a working agreement with Selangor to intensify our cooperation to ensure that when floods happen, and they will continue to happen, the damage and casualties can be minimised.
“We can look at how rivers and seas can be used to our advantage, rather than just as a liability,” he told Media Selangor during the Tautan Muhibah event organised by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) at Setia City Convention Centre yesterday.
Werner added that the primary objective of the mitigation measures is to reduce the impact of flooding through better planning and integrated solutions.
Previously, it was reported that the Dutch government is collaborating with Malaysia, with Selangor as a key focus area, to enhance flood mitigation efforts by leveraging Dutch expertise, including nature-based solutions and sustainable water management under the Dutch Surge Support scheme.
The project includes pilot initiatives to enhance flood resilience through eco-friendly, sustainable approaches, with one planned in Sabak Bernam.
Elaborating on the Sabak Bernam pilot project, he said it will bring together all relevant stakeholders to develop a shared, coordinated approach to managing an area prone to flooding.
The initiative focuses on building a common vision among different parties and translating it into practical measures to mitigate flood risks in both upstream and downstream areas.
Werner noted that such integrated planning reflects the Netherlands’ expertise in water management and is the kind of collaborative approach that both sides are working to strengthen.
