PUTRAJAYA: Effective implementation of the Urban Stormwater Management Manual (MSMA) requires collaboration between the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and developers, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah said it was essential for all parties involved to ensure the MSMA is strengthened and enforced through appropriate legal measures.
He said that through collaborative efforts and using the MSMA as a critical guideline, better flash flood management can be achieved, the environment can be protected, and the safety and well-being of communities can be ensured.
"Developers are supposed to adhere to the MSMA, but the role is played by consultants who design the systems.
"Sometimes, consultants compromise due to budget constraints imposed by developers, and that is something we need to safeguard against.
"That's why I emphasise that commitment is required from all parties, including developers, consultants, local authorities, and us at the ministry level, as well as state agencies," he told reporters during a press conference after officiating the National Conference on Stormwater Management (SWaM) 2024.
Fadillah, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said implementing the MSMA in development projects brings significant benefits, such as reducing the risk of long-term flooding and ensuring more sustainable development.
He said the methods and guidelines in the MSMA provide a solid foundation for designing drainage systems capable of handling high rainfall intensity, especially in densely populated urban areas.
"MSMA emphasises the need for effective water resource management and treatment by employing methods like source control, flow reduction, and the construction of biological systems such as lakes and mangroves.
"This not only helps reduce flood risks but also offers opportunities to improve water quality and the environment."
He added that the MSMA, a guideline focused on addressing long-term flood issues and reducing government expenditure on flood control, will constantly be updated to reflect current needs.
"The MSMA will be continuously improved as a 'living document' regularly updated to align with the latest requirements.
"One aspect we need to consider is how to introduce suitable technology for monitoring, so we can make accurate forecasts related to potential disasters based on flow data and other systems we have. This could enable us to make earlier predictions."