Global Environment Centre (GEC) said the disaster highlighted the urgency to address the impact of climate change and Malaysia’s lack of well-coordinated disaster preparedness efforts.

“Global climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of storms in Southeast Asia, generating extreme rainfall events and putting the people at severe risk of flooding,” it said in a statement today.

GEC director Faizal Parish said there must be a stop to the clearance and conversion of catchment forests and peatlands that protect cities and villages from floods.

“Forests and wetlands are effective in absorbing rainfall and reducing flood peaks. Once the forests are cleared, the run-off can increase five to 10 times, and eroded soil can clog drains and rivers,” Faizal said.

GEC also suggested other important flood prevention measures such as regular cleaning and desilting of rivers and drains, and protecting river buffers or corridors, with no development allowed to take place.

“We also need much better coordination among all stakeholders – the government, private sector, civil society and mainly the people – to work effectively towards disaster prevention and preparedness,” it said.

It said data from the department of irrigation and drainage showed that 9% of Malaysia’s land was flood-prone.

“Although Malaysia has a good flood prediction and monitoring system, the main issue is to ensure fast and effective communication and information dissemination from the respective agencies to the public and ensure appropriate responses to warnings.

“Enhancing people’s resilience towards flooding is also crucial. Everyone must play a role in flood management, especially at the local level,” it said.

GEC also said that storing emergency supplies and key documents in waterproof containers in a “grab bag” or “72H kit” on the upper floors of homes could enhance survivability.

“Flood warning sirens or phone alerts can also be used to warn people to get out safely,” it said.