Why Does Malaysia Struggle to Protect Its People From Floods?

Every year, floods sweep through Malaysia, leaving families homeless and communities devastated. It’s heartbreaking to watch people lose their homes, belongings, and even loved ones. While floods are a natural disaster, many of us can’t help but ask: Why are we still facing the same problems year after year?

This isn’t just about nature? It’s about why our government and leaders haven’t done enough to keep us safe? 

1. Planning for the Future Seems Missing

Floods happen every year. It’s no surprise. But instead of fixing the root problem, our leaders often focus on temporary solutions like flood relief. What about prevention? What about building stronger flood barriers, improving drains, or creating a better warning system?

• Why this hurts us: When the same thing happens again and again, it feels like we’re being ignored. Imagine how much pain and money we could save if we stopped the floods before they happen.

2. Building Cities Without Thinking of the People

In some places, forests and wetlands have been cleared for new buildings or roads. But these natural areas help absorb rainwater. Without them, water has nowhere to go, so it floods our homes and streets.

• Example: Even cities like Kuala Lumpur, with all their shiny buildings, flood after heavy rain. Why? Because proper planning wasn’t done.

3. Slow and Confusing Responses

When floods hit, people look to the government for help. But sometimes, that help comes too late or is poorly organized. Relief centres run out of supplies, or money meant for flood prevention takes too long to be used.

• Why this matters: Families shouldn’t have to wait days for food, shelter, or answers. In times of crisis, every minute counts.

4. Ignoring Climate Change

The world is changing. Rain is heavier, storms are stronger, and floods are getting worse. But are we doing enough to adapt? Other countries are already building systems to deal with these changes. Malaysia, sadly, is still playing catch-up.

• A thought to consider: If we don’t act now, the floods will only get worse. How many more families must suffer before real change happens?

5. Forgetting Rural Communities

When floods hit cities, it’s big news. But what about the kampungs (villages) and small towns? Often, these places are the hardest hit and the last to get help. People in these areas already have fewer resources, so the floods hit them even harder.

• The sad reality: It’s easy to feel forgotten when help doesn’t arrive, and your cries for support go unheard.

6. Where Does the Money Go?

We’ve heard about millions spent on flood prevention projects. But where are the results? Corruption and mismanagement mean that money often disappears, leaving the people to suffer.

• What this feels like: It’s painful to think that the funds meant to protect us might have been wasted.

What Can Be Done?

It’s not too late to make things better. Here are some steps our leaders can take:

1. Build Better Infrastructure: Invest in strong flood barriers, bigger drains, and warning systems that actually work.
2. Protect Nature: Stop cutting down forests and destroying wetlands that help prevent floods.
3. Be Faster and Smarter: Get help to people quickly and manage resources better.
4. Care for Rural Areas: Don’t forget about the kampungs—they need just as much help as the cities.
5. Listen to the People: Let’s make sure the voices of flood victims are heard and their needs are prioritized.