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Japan’s flood alert system: Malaysia’s missing link

A proven solution to prevent flash flood chaos in our cities

The flood in Kuching on 18 March 2023

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Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia often face heavy downpours with flash floods happening quite often.

The extremely heavy downpour on 16 October caught many KL residents by surprise. The overflow of rivers and drains caused mass disruption to traffic and people’s daily lives, creating mayhem in the city.

There seems to be no particular season for floods these days, unlike the 1960s, when we knew the periods of the dry and monsoon seasons.

Climate change has distorted weather patterns, and nature’s ferocity has taken its toll more frequently. This will continue in the near future, unless there is a concerted global action for thwart this menace.

Malaysia, fortunately unlike its neighbours, is spared catastrophes like typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. We must count our blessings in that respect.

Its only shortcoming seems to be that unnecessary trivial issues are magnified way beyond the comprehension of rationality. This brings about uneasiness and concerns among ordinary people.

Many are perturbed and cannot understand why such behaviour prevails among certain segments of Malaysian society. Issues which can be solved rationally and soberly are blown out of proportion for gains by vested interests.

Be constantly prepared

Contingencies should be immediately executed at the onset of any harsh or unexpected weather conditions.

Everyone must be prepared to deal with any eventuality.

When facing harsh conditions, politicians must adopt a bipartisan approach and suggest measures that need to be undertaken.

The sun may shine when you leave home, but within minutes, dark clouds can appear. Before you know it, you are caught in a heavy downpour beyond your imagination. Flash floods are the inevitable end result, adversely affecting many parts of the country.

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Against this backdrop, it would be good if the government alerts the people about impending heavy downpours and flash floods, which often cause havoc to the people.

Malaysia’s Meteorological Department should work in collaboration with all telecoms companies to provide the weather forecasts on heavy rain and flash floods. This information should be disseminated to all people through mobile phones.

In addition, such warnings should be highlighted as breaking news through the electronic media. This will help people anticipate and plan for contingencies.

Text messages to be circulated to the people should read: “High flood risk alert: Heavy rainfall causing river levels to rise in [specific areas]. Take immediate precautions to ensure your safety. Stay tuned for updates.”

Public warnings:
“Danger zones during floods: Stay away from underpasses, street drains, and low-lying areas. These spots can flood within minutes. Current risk areas: [locations]”

“Even in safer areas: Please remain indoors. Unexpected flash floods can make roads dangerous quickly. Travel only if absolutely necessary.”

All rescue and relief agencies, including the police and armed forces, should be alerted immediately.

Emulate Japan’s flood alert messages

Japan has vast experience in dealing with natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. Malaysia can learn invaluable lessons from Japan in this respect.

Japan’s innovative alert system leverages its mobile network infrastructure to protect its people. Its land ministry coordinates with telecoms companies to broadcast instant alerts to every mobile device within at-risk areas. This comprehensive approach ensures that residents and visitors receive critical warning messages.

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This system mirrors the country’s earthquake warning mechanism. The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity – phones automatically receive these alerts with distinctive warning sounds, requiring no set-up or special apps. This ‘push’ approach ensures maximum reach during emergencies.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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Benedict Lopez
Benedict Lopez was director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Stockholm and economics counsellor at the Malaysian embassy there in 2010-2014. He covered all five Nordic countries in the course of his work. A pragmatic optimist and now an Aliran member, he believes Malaysia can provide its people with the same benefits found in the Nordic countries - not a far-fetched dream but one he hopes will be realised in his lifetime
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