Large-scale flood mitigation initiatives allocated a sum of RM20 billion across seven states
The Malaysian government has announced a comprehensive flood mitigation plan, allocating RM20 billion over five years for 103 flood mitigation projects across Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), running from 2026 to 2030.
The announcement, made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim while tabling the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31, 2025, comes in response to the frequent flooding that occurs on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia during the monsoon season. This period, which lasts from October to March, is marked by regular flooding, making the region prone to this natural disaster.
The projects will focus on major river basins such as Sungai Golok (Kelantan), Sungai Gemencheh (Negri Sembilan), Sungai Pahang, Sungai Langat, Sungai Buloh (Selangor), Sungai Baru (Melaka), Sungai Johor, and Sungai Muar (Johor). The aim is to better prepare and protect the public during disasters by improving the early warning system using AI-based technology.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems is a key aspect of the plan, with the intention to enhance the preparedness during emergencies by improving the early warning systems for floods. Disaster risk management plans will also be embedded in state and local development plans to ensure comprehensive flood-risk mitigation and climate change adaptation.
The flood mitigation projects and the early warning systems are part of the 13MP, which covers the five-year period from 2026 to 2030. This significant investment reflects the government's commitment to addressing the issue of flooding in the region and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
While specific technical details about the AI technologies or other technical systems used have not been disclosed, the announcement marks a significant step forward in the government's efforts to combat flooding and improve disaster preparedness in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
[1] The Star Online. (2025, July 31). Anwar announces RM20bil for flood mitigation projects. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/31/anwar-announces-rm20bil-for-flood-mitigation-projects
[3] Bernama. (2025, July 31). RM20bil allocated for flood mitigation projects under 13MP. Retrieved from https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1978398
[4] New Straits Times. (2025, July 31). RM20bil allocated for flood mitigation projects under 13MP. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/746124/rm20bil-allocated-flood-mitigation-projects-under-13mp
[5] Free Malaysia Today. (2025, July 31). RM20bil for flood mitigation projects under 13MP. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/07/31/rm20bil-for-flood-mitigation-projects-under-13mp/
- Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has announced a RM20 billion investment to tackle flooding in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak over a five-year period under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
- The comprehensive flood mitigation plan, which was revealed in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31, 2025, includes 103 projects that will focus on major river basins such as Sungai Golok, Sungai Gemencheh, and Sungai Pahang, among others.
- The aim of the plan is to improve the early warning systems using AI-based technology to better prepare and protect the public during disasters, with disaster risk management plans being embedded in state and local development plans.
- The investments in flood mitigation projects and early warning systems are part of the 13MP, which covers the five-year period from 2026 to 2030, indicating the government's commitment to addressing climate change and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
- The announcement of this significant investment in technology and policy-and-legislation for climate-change adaptation and environmental-science in Malaysia's general-news marks a significant step forward in the government's efforts to combat flooding and improve disaster preparedness.
