FLASH floods will continue to happen because of climate change and this needs to be addressed immediately as the country has already experienced its consequences, a top official from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) said.

DID deputy director-general (specialist sector) Bibi Zarina Che Omar said prolonged heavy rainfall and climate change were evident with the recent floods.

“The reality is there is a lot of (occurrence) of heavy rainfall and frequent floods,” she said.

“This was evident with the floods last December. What Kuala Lumpur experienced was rainfall for a month which occurred in a single day.

“So, the drainage couldn’t handle it. We anticipate this will happen more with climate change.”

She was responding to the issue of unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change and whether there will be more occurrences.

Bibi Zarina was speaking at the forum on Flood Disaster – Perspectives on River Management, Environment and Climate Change in Malaysia.

The forum organised by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia also included Ministry of Environment and Water secretary-general Dr Zaini Ujang and UKM vice-chancellor Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman.

After Peninsular Malaysia’s worst flooding in December in the greater Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur was again inundated on March 7, April 25 and May 25.

Several roads in the city were closed following flash floods, which also resulted in a number of vehicles being submerged and damage to properties.

Experts have told The Malaysian Insight that environmental concretisation and overdevelopment are the main factors of recurring flash floods in KL.

Bibi Zarina said DID’s main focus now is to align flood management with the country’s development.

“Our focus is on infrastructure and rapid dispersal (flood waters). In the city, we can better implement it.”

Zaini said that climate change has to be addressed immediately.

He said apart from the proposed Climate Change Act, the government has approved RM392 billion for 50 years to address environmental issues.

“This is low compared to the S$100 billion to erect flood walls around Singapore.

“Here in Malaysia, we need to do more because we have many stretches of coastline.

“I have discussed this in the cabinet. It (RM392 billion) might look like a lot, but for 50 years it is not enough.”

Ekhwan said due to climate change, the rise in sea levels, the impact on land changes, land use and other factors has contributed to flash floods.

“We also see that the drainage can’t cope with heavy rainfall. If we don’t address climate change, it will be detrimental to the people.”

He said it is difficult to predict flash floods so the people must know how important it is to take care of the environment.

“We have seen manholes clogged, and silt and garbage in drains. People now are more aware of what’s happening.

“The people must work together with the government to address the issue.” – June 2, 2022.