The Integrated Flood Management (IFM) Approach in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the Integrated Flood Management (IFM) approach includes a combination of structural and non-structural measures to reduce flood risk and minimize the impact of floods on people and property.

Structural measures include:

  1. Construction of dams and embankments: These structures are built to contain and control the flow of water, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.

  2. Improvement of drainage systems: This includes the construction of drainage channels and culverts, as well as the improvement of existing drainage systems to increase their capacity to handle water.

  3. River dredging: This involves removing sediment and debris from rivers to increase the capacity of the river to carry water and reduce the risk of flooding.

Non-structural measures include:

  1. Land use planning and zoning: This involves the development of land use plans that take into account the potential for flooding and the need for flood protection.

  2. Building codes: This involves the implementation of building codes that require new buildings to be constructed above the flood level.

  3. Flood warning systems: This involves the implementation of early warning systems and flood forecasting models to provide timely warning of potential floods to the public.

  4. Community-based flood management: This involves engaging local communities in flood management efforts and educating them about flood preparedness.

  5. Emergency preparedness: This includes the development of emergency evacuation plans and providing training for local communities in emergency response.

Despite these efforts, flood remains a recurrent problem in Malaysia, particularly in urban areas where the risk of flooding has increased due to rapid urbanization and land development. The factors that contribute to this include the lack of proper urban planning, poor drainage systems, and the lack of enforcement of building codes. Additionally, climate change is also exacerbating the problem, with more intense and frequent heavy rainfall events in Malaysia.

In summary, In Malaysia, the Integrated Flood Management (IFM) approach includes a combination of structural and non-structural measures to reduce flood risk and minimize the impact of floods on people and property. These measures include construction of dams and embankments, improvement of drainage systems, river dredging, land use planning and zoning, building codes, flood warning systems, community-based flood management, and emergency preparedness. Despite these efforts, flood remains a recurrent problem in Malaysia, particularly in urban areas where the risk of flooding has increased due to rapid urbanization and land development, lack of proper urban planning, poor drainage systems, and the lack of enforcement of building codes. Additionally, climate change is also exacerbating the problem, with more intense and frequent heavy rainfall events.

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