THE recent flooding in Tawau has once again reminded us that flood management is an evolving challenge that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. While the heavy rainfall affected many communities and disrupted daily life, it also provided an opportunity to reflect on how Sabah can further strengthen its resilience against future flood events.
The swift response by the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the Malaysian Meteorological Department, local authorities, security agencies and numerous volunteers demonstrated the strong commitment of all parties in safeguarding lives and providing assistance to affected communities. Their dedication deserves our appreciation.
As engineers, however, we also recognise that every major flood presents an opportunity to learn, improve and embrace new technologies that can enhance our preparedness. One area that deserves greater attention is the development of an integrated flood forecasting and early warning system for Sabah.
From Responding to AnticipatingOver the years, Sabah has invested significantly in flood mitigation measures such as river improvement works, drainage upgrading, flood retention facilities and other engineering solutions. These remain essential components of our flood management strategy.
Today, advances in digital technology provide an opportunity to complement these physical measures with another powerful tool that is accurate flood forecasting. Instead of responding only after rivers have reached dangerous levels, forecasting systems enable authorities to anticipate potential flooding several hours, or even days, before it occurs. This additional lead time allows agencies to make better-informed operational decisions while giving communities more time to prepare. In disaster management, timely information is often as valuable as physical infrastructure.
What Is Flood Forecasting?A flood forecasting system combines information from rainfall stations, river water-level gauges, weather radar, satellite observations and tidal monitoring with advanced computer models.
By analysing these data continuously, the system can estimate the relevant and important questions such as areas that may experience flooding; the expected timing of floodwaters; potential flood depths; the likely duration of flooding. These forecasts support decision-making by emergency agencies and provide timely information to communities through various communication channels. Rather than replacing existing flood management practices, forecasting strengthens them by providing an additional layer of preparedness.
Why It Matters for SabahSabah’s geographical characteristics make flood forecasting particularly relevant. Our river systems originate from mountainous catchments where intense rainfall can generate rapid runoff. In coastal districts such as Tawau and Kota Kinabalu, tidal conditions may further influence drainage and river discharge. At the same time, continued urban growth and changing rainfall patterns associated with climate variability have increased the complexity of flood management. These factors highlight the importance of integrating hydrological data, weather forecasting and real-time monitoring into a comprehensive decision-support system.
Learning from International ExperienceMany countries, including Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore and South Korea, have successfully integrated flood forecasting into their national flood management strategies. Their experience demonstrates that modern forecasting systems work best when they complement and but to not replace the existing traditional engineering measures such as drainage improvements, flood mitigation structures and river management. Sabah can draw valuable lessons from these experiences while developing solutions tailored to our own climate, river basins and local conditions.
A Collaborative Way ForwardDeveloping a state-wide flood forecasting capability requires close collaboration among many stakeholders. The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee, DID, JKR, Metrological Department, local authorities, universities and professional institutions each possess valuable expertise and data that can contribute to a more integrated system.
The engineering profession, through organisations such as IEM Sabah, is also willing and ready to contribute technical knowledge in hydrology, hydraulic modelling, flood risk assessment, geospatial technologies and digital engineering to support these efforts. By combining our collective expertise, Sabah can continue to strengthen its disaster preparedness in a practical and cost-effective manner.
Investing in PreparednessFlood forecasting is ultimately an investment in preparedness. Earlier warnings allow emergency responders to mobilise resources more efficiently, critical infrastructure operators to implement contingency measures, and communities to take precautionary actions before floodwaters arrive. Even a few hours of additional warning can significantly reduce disruption, minimise economic losses and, most importantly, enhance public safety.
Looking AheadAs Sabah continues its development journey, our flood management approach should evolve alongside advances in science and technology. Engineering solutions will always remain fundamental, but digital technologies now provide new opportunities to make those solutions even more effective. The recent Tawau flood serves as a timely reminder that resilience is built not only through stronger infrastructure, but also through better information, closer collaboration and forward-looking planning. By continuing to strengthen our forecasting capabilities alongside ongoing flood mitigation initiatives, Sabah can further enhance its readiness for future challenges and build a safer, more resilient future for generations to come.