KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry said the first phase of the National Flood Forecast and Warning Programme (PRAB) has achieved its objectives.
In a statement, the ministry said the PRAB infrastructure and systems in the Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang river basins were set up through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage at a cost of RM129 million.
"This includes the construction of 347 telemetry hydrological stations, the installation of 132 sirens and the implementation of flood modelling systems.
"Hydrological data from these stations are accessible on the website https://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my/, providing early flood alerts to disaster management agencies and the public.
"Additionally, this data is utilised by other agencies such as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), Tenaga Nasional Bhd and state water management bodies according to their specific requirements," it said.
The statement came after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said the PRAB was ineffective in alerting the public about impending floods despite its substantial cost of RM129 million.
The ministry added that a hydrodynamic approach successfully developed a flood modelling system during the first phase of its implementation.
"This system can generate flood forecasts for the next seven days using rainfall data predicted by METMalaysia.
"Prior to the implementation of this programme, the East Coast only had two flood forecast models without precise forecast and flood warning information according to specific areas or specific intensive rainfall areas."
The ministry also took into account PAC's recommendations to ensure that phases two and three of the PRAB would be completed on time and within the budget.
"We have taken appropriate action to improve the implementation of PRAB and will ensure that Phase 2 and Phase 3 are better planned."