Overhauling the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to Address Climate Change

PETALING JAYA: A former minister has urged the government to overhaul the department of irrigation and drainage (DID) to prepare it for the bigger responsibility of facing climate change.

A Shift in the Department’s Role

Former environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the risk of natural disasters brought about by climate change meant that DID’s role was no longer limited to minor duties such as monitoring agricultural irrigation systems.

A More Significant Role for DID

Tuan Ibrahim, who was minister from 2020 to 2022, suggested that the agency be given a greater number of staff as well as a larger allocation to carry out projects to mitigate climate change.

“It’s time for the job functions and role of DID to be reevaluated and overhauled. First, it needs to be allocated more funds because of its wide job scope, which includes protecting our sources of water.

“It also needs more staff and more centres for monitoring (possible floods),” the PAS deputy president said in an interview with FMT.

Preparing for Hot Spells and Droughts

Tuan Ibrahim suggested that Putrajaya tap groundwater sources and build more water catchment areas at riverbanks to prepare for hot spells.

He said the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia had forecast severe prolonged droughts in Peninsular Malaysia from 2025 to 2035.

He also said Malaysia was currently utilising only about 3% of its groundwater, while other nations were tapping between 40% and 45% of their underground water sources.

“If a drought hits, dries up our rivers and puts our dams at risk, we have an alternative in groundwater,” he said.

Flood Mitigation Projects

Tuan Ibrahim, the Kubang Kerian MP, also urged the government to expedite flood mitigation projects in Kelantan, whose residents are affected by floods almost annually during the year-end monsoon season.

Several flood mitigation projects costing RM15 billion were retendered by Putrajaya in 2023 to save “significant funds”. Last December, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said these projects were proceeding as planned.

Tuan Ibrahim disputed this, saying the rise in cost of building materials as well as the targeted diesel subsidies may have contributed to a spike in the overall cost of the projects.

Conclusion

In light of the growing threat of climate change, it is essential to reevaluate and overhaul the role of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to ensure that it is equipped to address the challenges posed by this global issue. By providing more staff and resources, DID can play a more significant role in mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the country’s water resources.

FAQs

Q: What is the current role of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage?

A: The current role of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage is limited to monitoring agricultural irrigation systems and other minor duties.

Q: How does climate change affect the role of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage?

A: Climate change poses a significant threat to the country’s water resources, and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage must be equipped to address this challenge by providing more staff and resources to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Q: What is the current utilisation of groundwater in Malaysia?

A: Malaysia is currently utilising only about 3% of its groundwater, while other nations are tapping between 40% and 45% of their underground water sources.

Q: What is the forecast for droughts in Peninsular Malaysia?

A: The National Water Research Institute of Malaysia has forecast severe prolonged droughts in Peninsular Malaysia from 2025 to 2035.