KUALA LUMPUR: A flood disaster risk assessment based on climate change projections has been assembled by the Environment and Water Ministry.

       Its minister, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tun Man, noted a flood hazard map and flood risk map under the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), covering 36 major river basins, has been developed.

       For the Klang Valley, he said, hazard maps for six river basins have been developed while flood risk maps for the Sungai Bernam basin have been completed.

       “The development of these hazard and risk maps is expected to be completed in 2024 and they will be updated continuously,” he said when replying to a question raised by Datuk Mohd Nizar Zakaria (BN-Parit) in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       Nizar had asked about the preparedness of the disaster warning system in the country and if the ministry had carried out climate change studies.

       Tuan Ibrahim noted Malaysia is indeed vulnerable to floods.

       “Climate change will further increase the country’s vulnerability to disaster risks, including floods. The results of the National Hydraulic Water Research Institute of Malaysia study also found there will be an increase in the intensity of heavy rainfall which will affect the level of flood protection design for the existing drainage system as well as the construction of water-related infrastructure,” he said.

       He pointed out that the departments and agencies under the ministry such as the DID and the Malaysian Meteorological Depart-ment (MetMalaysia) have always strived to increase the level of preparedness to face disasters.

       “The dissemination of weather and flood information as well as early warning to rescue teams will be improved immediately and coordination with stakeholders will also be enhanced,” he said.

       He said MetMalaysia is currently installing eight new radar stations in Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak that were approved under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan.

       “These account for an additional 11 radar stations that we currently have and they are expected to be completed this year,” he said.

       Apart from these measures, he added that DID has also implemented the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme that is aimed at providing “early warnings” to the agencies related to disaster management and the public.

       “The sirens will ring when the water levels exceed a certain threshold level to give early warning to the residents there.

       “Flood forecasts as early as two and seven days are also provided in locations where floods are expected.

       “Currently, this system is in operation in the river basins of Sungai Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu with an accuracy of 65%,” he said.

       Tuan Ibrahim added that the DID, through its publicinfobanjir website constantly monitors rainfall and water levels throughout the country, adding that when rainfall data or water levels exceed a certain threshold, a public warning would be issued on the website.