KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is requesting an additional RM800 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to implement comprehensive flood prevention measures in affected areas.

This funding is essential to address long-term flood mitigation challenges in the state.

"Despite ongoing efforts, additional mitigation measures are urgently needed to protect residents and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flash floods," he said during a visit to the Lido-Moyog River Basin on Monday (Feb 24).

Various flood control measures have been introduced over the years, with projects carried out in phases.

However, flooding remains a recurring problem, particularly in urban areas like Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan, which are vulnerable due to rapid development, inadequate drainage systems, and the impact of climate change.

Ahmad Zahid stated that to address these challenges, the government has outlined additional measures under phases one, two, and four of ongoing projects.

These initiatives aim to improve drainage systems, enhance river management, and implement advanced flood prevention technologies.

"Despite these efforts, delays in flood mitigation projects have hindered progress, largely due to challenges such as land acquisition and utility relocation rather than inefficiencies from the Irrigation and Drainage Department or contractors," Ahmad Zahid said.

He also noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the preparedness and flood management efforts carried out by national and state-level agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Flood Operations Task Force.

To further strengthen flood response, the government is working closely with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Irrigation and Drainage Department, the Minerals and Geology Department, and other agencies to improve early warning systems and ensure timely evacuations in high-risk areas.

Additionally, Nadma plans to establish permanent evacuation centres in selected areas to provide more sustainable shelter solutions for flood victims.

"These centres will be integrated into schools and other facilities, allowing them to serve the community when not in use for disaster relief.

"While it is not yet feasible to convert all temporary relief centres into permanent ones, efforts are being made, starting with areas like Belaga in Sarawak, which frequently experiences severe flooding," Ahmad Zahid said.

With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, experts stress the need to adopt new technologies in flood management.

Ahmad Zahid also urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation instructions to minimise risks.

Meanwhile, federal and state governments continue to coordinate closely to expedite project implementation and ensure that mitigation efforts are completed without further delays.

"For projects under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), there were previous coordination challenges. However, after my visits to Sabah and Sarawak, these issues have been largely resolved.

"To expedite project completion, state governments, KKDW, and relevant federal agencies are closely monitoring progress. I sincerely appreciate the cooperation of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, as well as other state governments, in facilitating these efforts," he said.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid chaired the High-Level Committee Meeting on National Disaster Management, focusing on flood-related issues and solutions affecting Sabah and Sarawak since January this year.

The meeting revealed that 14 flood mitigation projects are planned for Sabah, with two completed and in the defect liability period, 10 under construction, and two in the pre-implementation phase.

Similarly, in Sarawak, 10 flood mitigation projects have been planned, with two completed and in the defect liability period, two under construction, and six in pre-implementation.

During the last flood episode, Sabah experienced two major flooding events—the first from Jan 17 to 20, affecting three districts, and the second from Jan 27 to Feb 16, impacting 14 districts.

A total of 3,120 heads of households, involving 9,735 victims, were relocated to 68 Temporary Evacuation Centres set up during this period.

Meanwhile, Nadma will collaborate with Bank Simpanan Nasional to facilitate the distribution of Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) to disaster victims, aiming to prevent leakages in the disbursement process.

Also present was Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister and Penampang MP, Datuk Ewon Benedick.