SHAH ALAM, Nov 9 — The State Government will ensure all future infrastructure development projects account for climate change, aiming to improve drainage system effectiveness and mitigate flood risks in Selangor.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this approach is essential to ensure infrastructure facilities, such as drainage systems, can function effectively across various weather conditions, including during both dry and monsoon seasons.
Amirudin said infrastructure development planning must shift toward a more comprehensive approach, one better suited to the increasingly apparent challenges posed by climate change.
“Our infrastructure projects will be adapted to account for shifts within the climate crisis. For instance, drains must be designed for long-term utility, potentially even serving as water storage facilities.
“The approach should go beyond merely patching potholes on the roads; they must be durable enough to withstand both cold and hot weather conditions, ensuring they do not simply deteriorate or break apart after just three months when the heat sets in.
“All such infrastructure projects must prioritise and place significant emphasis on addressing issues related to climate change from the outset,” he said.
He made these remarks during a special interview with Media Selangor, held at the official residence of the Dato’ Menteri Besar, ahead of the tabling of the Selangor Budget 2027.
In September, Amirudin said climate change, environmental sustainability, education, skilled labor, and technological transition are among the key focus areas in the preparation of the Selangor Budget 2027.
He previously emphasised that environmental issues must be viewed as a crisis requiring collective action because the impacts transcend borders; neither the State Government nor the Federal Government can address these challenges in isolation.
Amirudin also added that he would hold discussions with members of the State Executive Council (MMKN), local authorities (PBT), and the engineering department to personally examine all flood hotspots in the state.
He said this initiative aims to identify the root causes of the issues and accelerate the implementation of Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects, which typically require a significant amount of time to complete.
He emphasised that addressing the flood issue must be more systematic and organised, taking into account each area’s specific needs while ensuring all relevant agencies work in an integrated fashion.
“I will personally sit down with the State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure and Agriculture, Dato’ Ir. Izham Hashim, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), local authorities, and technical agencies to review all 56 flood hotspots and determine how we can address them comprehensively.
“I consider this an ambitious undertaking that I must see through between 2027 and 2028—before the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, God willing.
"I am confident that it will serve as a long-term solution," he said.
On October 28, Izham said 70 per cent of the 255 flood mitigation projects implemented as quick-win measures in Selangor have been completed, involving an allocation of nearly RM70 million.
He was reported to have said these projects, which focus on areas prone to flash floods, were carried out through collaboration among the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), local authorities (PBT), and the Public Works Department (JKR).
Previously, JPS Selangor identified 56 flood hotspots and 232 high-risk areas across the state based on last year’s baseline data; Klang recorded the highest number of hotspots, with 13 locations.
Additionally, Petaling recorded 11 locations, followed by Gombak (10), Hulu Langat (9), Kuala Selangor (6), and Sepang (3), while Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat each had two locations.
