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THE Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Malaysian government to establish a national committee of experts, including representatives from civil society, to investigate the root causes of the country’s persistent flooding problems and propose long-term solutions.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader highlighted the severity of the issue, referencing the Statistics Department’s Special Report on the Impact of Floods in Malaysia 2024, which estimated total losses from floods last year at RM933.4 million.
The agricultural sector bore the brunt of the impact, with losses rising sharply to RM185.2 million, up from RM120.6 million in 2023.
New Straits Time cited Mohideen emphasising that floods affecting states including Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor should not be seen as merely the result of 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.
He pointed to rapid urban development without long-term planning as a major contributor. “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,” Mohideen said.
He added that deforestation also leads to soil erosion and landslides, which increase sediment in rivers, reducing their capacity to discharge rainwater. Improper waste disposal, he noted, further clogs drains and intensifies waterlogging in urban areas.
Warning that flood disasters are likely to continue, Mohideen said many residents remain concerned about the safety of their homes and surroundings during heavy rains. To mitigate the impacts, he recommended comprehensive planning and stricter controls on development.
“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.
As of 7am today, a total of 14,040 flood victims from 4,518 families remained sheltered at temporary relief centres across eight states, underscoring the continuing human and economic toll of Malaysia’s flood crises. - December 1, 2025
