KOTA KINABALU: The federal government will implement several measures, including the adoption of the latest technology, to mitigate flooding, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"For long-term disaster mitigation, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage will implement comprehensive mitigation plans.

"This includes the use of artificial intelligence and the latest technology to improve disaster management and risk reduction.

"Nadma continuously collaborates with the Meteorological Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Department of Minerals and Geology and other agencies.

"We urge those in identified high-risk areas to strictly follow evacuation instructions when the early warning system is activated.

"This will ensure that evacuations are carried out earlier, reducing risks to flood victims," he said after visiting the Lido Flood Mitigation project here.

Earlier, he chaired the first High-Level Committee Meeting on National Disaster Management for this year at the Federal Secretary's Office in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

To address the recurring flood problem, Zahid, who heads the Central Disaster Management Committee, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage is implementing 14 flood mitigation projects in Sabah, while 10 are planned for Sarawak.

"The meeting also approved the construction of a permanent disaster evacuation centre (PPKB) in Long Busang, Belaga, Sarawak.

"For PPKB development in other areas, Nadma will collaborate with the Education Ministry. "Currently, only one PPKB has been established at Dewan Serbaguna Taman Kota Jaya, Kota Tinggi in Johor."

Zahid added that Nadma will work with Bank Simpanan Nasional to facilitate the disbursement of aid to disaster victims, ensuring transparency and minimising fund mismanagement.

This year, in Sabah, 9,735 victims were relocated to 68 temporary evacuation centres due to floods.

The floods have caused damage to public infrastructure, including suspension bridges in Kota Marudu and Pitas. In Sarawak, over 37,000 households were affected by floods.