Sabah needs another RM800 million to plug the gaps of the existing flood mitigation plans, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The funds, set to be included under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), are aimed at bolstering flood defenses in Kota Kinabalu, with a focus on Penampang and Putatan – two of the hardest-hit areas where flooding has been persistent and severe.
“For example, here in this area, floods occur four times a year, and several steps have been taken for mitigation.
“However, there are still packages one, two, and three, and also two and four that are being listed for implementation so that the flood problems in Kota Kinabalu, particularly in Penampang and Putatan, can be resolved.
“We need around RM800 million in additional funds, which will be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan for implementation,” Zahid said after inspecting the Lido Flood Mitigation site in Kota Kinabalu on Monday.
Zahid noted the current flood mitigation measures are falling short, leaving Sabah vulnerable to frequent and severe flooding.
For instance, he said floods in Penampang and Putatan occured four times a year and the existing infrastructure isn’t enough to handle the scale and frequency of flooding.
The additional RM800 million will be used to upgrade flood defenses, including the Lido Flood Mitigation Plan, which involves concrete barriers, pump houses, and retention ponds to control water flow and reduce flood risks.
Zahid also acknowledged delays in flood mitigation projects, pointing to land acquisition and utility construction as the main culprits.
He also admitted to “minor coordination issues” between federal and state governments but insisted they were merely “minor kinks” that have since been ironed out.
The delays have affected flood mitigation packages for Penampang and Putatan, which were initially slated for completion in March 2026 but are now delayed to June 2026.
Zahid made it clear that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) is keeping a close watch on the projects to avoid further setbacks.
Sabah’s flooding problem is escalating, with the northeast monsoon recently displacing 9,735 victims across 14 districts, including Penampang and Putatan.
“The frequency and severity of flooding is increasing. We must strengthen infrastructure to protect the people,” Zahid said. – February 24, 2025
