By M Santhananaban
The fierce rainstorms in Malaysia in recent days reveal how vulnerable parts of our country are to the furious and rapidly changing monsoonal patterns.
December, particularly the early part, is expected to be devastatingly damp, causing further distress to some 150,000 people displaced by floods.
The most severe effects of climate change are now evident, affecting not just Malaysia but other countries. Southern Thailand is experiencing a similar situation as the northern region of the Malaysian peninsula.
To prevent a worsening situation in the long term, the government must prioritise environmental impact assessments, monitoring and management for all industrial, infrastructure and residential development projects. This requires a coordinated national approach.
The preservation of water catchment areas cannot be compromised, given the intensive development activities. Drainage systems must be vastly improved to manage sharply increased rainwater outflows.
A moratorium on further forest clearing is essential to prevent additional ecosystem damage. Agriculture, particularly food production, must be prioritised without compromising fundamental principles of sound sustainable management. The creation of dykes and bunds in certain areas should be explored.
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We in Malaysia cannot adopt a defeatist attitude, blaming nature for the country’s climatic challenges. Instead, we must address the threatening ecological situation with greater determination, thorough environmental studies and dedication to the people’s wellbeing.
Dismissing this as an annual occurrence fails to capture the serious danger posed to vulnerable communities.
Recently, MPs were prevented from getting into Parliament for hours due to flooded access roads.
Floods are not an academic subject or a distant media story. The threat of flash floods presents a clear, present and imminent danger that directly threatens health, lives and livelihoods.
There is an urgent obligation to act swiftly, using all available scientific, engineering and environmental expertise.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a retired Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
I was born in the Netherlands and was 4 years old when the dykes gave way to the sea. The waters came to 1 km from our home.
Since then, the Dutch government has undertaken massive measures that this would not happen again.
I suggest the Malaysian government look into getting engineers from the Netherlands to assist solving the flooding problems that seem to keep coming back to affect the lives of people.
I now live in Malaysia and love it here, yet I can see a solution if the country is willing to invest in a longterm solution.