Drainage infrastructure must be evaluated before development projects proceed

Abdul Rahman Mohamad has stressed the importance of evaluating drainage infrastructure before greenlighting new projects, citing the severe economic and social consequences of recurring flooding in communities with insufficient water management systems.

The deputy minister's remarks highlight growing concerns about urban planning practices that fail to account for adequate drainage capacity. Poor water retention systems and inadequate drainage networks have left numerous Malaysian communities vulnerable to repeated flood damage, resulting in substantial losses to property and livelihoods.

Proper assessment of existing drainage infrastructure should form a critical component of the project approval process, according to the official. Without such evaluations, new developments risk exacerbating flooding problems in surrounding areas, placing residents and businesses at greater risk.

The statement underscores ongoing efforts by Malaysian authorities to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of monsoon seasons on populated areas. Experts have long advocated for comprehensive reviews of water management systems as essential to mitigating flood-related losses across the country.