KUALA LUMPUR: All future development projects must take into account flood mitigation factors in light of climate change, says Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic).

       "At present, there are no mandatory regulations.

       "With climate change being a reality, it will be mandatory for all future development projects to take into consideration flood mitigation factors including preserving existing hydrologic assets," the Environment and Water Minister said when replying to a supplementary question by Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 1).

       He said this would be part of the proposed Bill on climate change which was currently being drafted.

       He was asked if the Bill would take into account conflicts with regard to hydrologic assets between states, including if there was a change of government in the future.

       Earlier, Tuan Ibrahim noted that the flooding in Kelantan and Terengganu had come later than usual this year.

       He said both states had escaped the usual year-end floods but were instead hit in February and March.

       Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim said his ministry had set aside RM13.4mil to upgrade the drainage system in the Klang district as part of flood prevention measures.

       This, he said, was aside from the RM2.06bil requested by the Selangor government from the Federal Government to implement flood mitigation measures in the state.

       Earlier, Charles Santiago (PH-Klang) said dirty and clogged drains were among the main factors contributing to flooding in the district.

       He said he had submitted a request to the Public Works Department for RM6mil to clean up dirty drains in Klang.

       Several areas in Klang were hit by the massive flooding in December, said to be the worst in four decades.

       Between Dec 17 and 19, some 18,858 people were evacuated from their homes to 64 temporary relief centres after floods hit the district following continuous rain.