Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof says flood risk management remains a key focus, with extensive early warning systems and assets on standby nationwide.
PUTRAJAYA: Operational readiness for flood management remains a top government priority to safeguard public safety ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said early planning and resource coordination are the main focus.
Fadillah, also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, stated the Drainage and Irrigation Department has been on full alert since the monsoon season began last November. He emphasised ensuring flood risk management is carried out effectively and comprehensively.
A total of 745 flood incidents have been recorded nationwide as of March 17, excluding Putrajaya. The ministry operates round-the-clock flood forecasting across 36 river basins, supported by 1,798 hydrological stations.
“To date, 64 flood alerts and 39 warning notices have been issued,” he said. The early warning system includes 614 flood sirens and 197 surveillance cameras installed at strategic locations nationwide.
There have been 675 siren activations recorded as of March 16. To further strengthen preparedness, 3,682 flood hotspot locations have been identified across the country.
Pahang has the highest number of hotspots at 760, followed by Kelantan with 618 and Sabah with 517. Operational assets including 606 mobile pumps and 1,079 water control gates are on standby and ready for deployment.
Continuous monitoring is being carried out on 16 DID-operated dams and 761 flood retention ponds. Cooperation with telecommunications providers has been enhanced to deliver flood alerts via SMS to at-risk residents.
Coordination with state governments has also been strengthened on procedures for controlled water releases from dams. “PETRA remains committed to ensuring flood preparedness and management are implemented efficiently,” Fadillah said.
The public is advised to stay updated with official warnings through the Public Infobanjir portal and the MyPublicInfoBanjir mobile application.
The Sun Malaysia
