GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to establish a national committee of experts, including civil society representatives, to investigate the underlying causes of Malaysia’s recurring flood problem and recommend solutions.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader highlighted findings from the Statistics Department’s Special Report on the Impact of Floods in Malaysia 2024, which estimated that floods caused total losses of RM933.4 million last year.
The agricultural sector was particularly hard-hit, with losses rising to RM185.2 million, up from RM120.6 million in 2023.
Mohideen said floods affecting states, such as Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor, should not be attributed solely to increased rainfall.
“Rain is a common phenomenon every year, but how do we deal with it?
“We must take a holistic approach to study all the causes,” he said in a statement.
Mohideen said floods not only caused loss of life and property but also significantly impacted the economy.
He said rapid urban development without long-term planning was a key contributor to the problem.
“The expansion of impermeable surfaces and narrow drains unable to handle heavy rainfall exacerbate urban flooding.
“The replacement of natural green areas — hills, floodplains, and trees that absorb water — alongside deforestation and hill-area development, further worsens the problem.
“Deforestation leads to soil erosion and landslides, which increase sediment in rivers, reducing their capacity to discharge rainwater,” he added, noting that improper waste disposal also contributed to clogged drains, worsening waterlogging in urban areas.
Mohideen warned that flood disasters are likely to continue and that many residents remained concerned about the safety of their homes and surroundings during heavy rains.
To mitigate flood impacts, he recommended comprehensive planning and stricter development controls.
“Environmental, drainage, transport and social impact assessments should be conducted for every project.
“Protection of slopes and hilly land must be enforced, while urban greening, including parks, urban forests and riverbank restoration should be prioritised to prevent erosion.
“While we cannot stop the rain, the floods that occur can be prevented or made less destructive if the root causes are addressed,” he said, calling for urgent action from all relevant authorities.
It was reported that a total of 14,040 flood victims from 4,518 families remain sheltered at temporary relief centres in eight states as of 7am today.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
