KUALA LUMPUR, April 2026 — The recent flash floods that struck the Klang Valley, particularly in Shah Alam and Klang, reflect deeper systemic failures rather than merely the impact of heavy rainfall, according to Khoushaini.
He said rapid floodwaters disrupting traffic and economic activity exposed weaknesses in urban planning and water management systems..
“A developed nation does not treat floods as routine disasters, but as indicators of weaknesses in planning and governance,” he said.
Urban Development Under Scrutiny
Khoushaini cited key causes of recurring floods, including poor drainage, rapid unregulated development, and increasing impermeable surfaces.
He added that weak maintenance and river pollution have further worsened the situation, reducing the efficiency of existing drainage systems.
“This reflects a development model that prioritises growth without integrating environmental resilience. In many cases, new developments do not solve flood risks but merely shift them elsewhere,” he said.
Call for Holistic Policy Approach
He also highlighted a key policy gap in Malaysia’s flood mitigation efforts, describing them as fragmented and lacking a comprehensive river basin-based approach.
According to him, effective flood management requires integration of rainfall data, land use planning, and hydrological modelling to ensure long-term solutions.
“Without a holistic approach from upstream to downstream, mitigation efforts will remain temporary. A nation aspiring to be developed must adopt data-driven governance, not ad hoc decision-making,” he said.
Economic Impact Beyond Local Areas
Khoushaini stressed that flash floods should not be viewed as isolated local incidents, as their impact extends to the national economy.
He noted that repeated flooding in the Klang Valley Malaysia’s economic hub disrupts logistics, damages infrastructure, and reduces productivity.
“This ultimately undermines investor confidence and affects national competitiveness. A strong nation must be able to safeguard its critical infrastructure from recurring risks,” he said.
Urgent Need for Policy Shift
He urged the government to adopt more strategic and decisive measures, including river basin-based urban planning, stricter controls on development in high-risk areas, and increased investment in modern drainage systems.
He also called for stronger enforcement against environmental negligence, particularly activities that contribute to river degradation.
“Global best practices, such as giving rivers more space to manage overflow, should be considered. Only through comprehensive reform can Malaysia build stronger systems and better protect its people,” he said.
Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohd Khoushaini Hj. Mohd Naim
Vice President of BERJASA
