PETRA overhauls urban drainage strategy as climate risks intensify

Malaysia is transforming its urban drainage strategy to better cope with the intensifying risks posed by climate change, rapid urbanisation and extreme weather events. The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) is shifting towards nature-based solutions, digital technology and data-driven planning, acknowledging that conventional engineering methods alone are insufficient to address growing flash flood risks.

As part of this strategic overhaul, PETRA is conducting a thorough review of the Urban Stormwater Management Manual (MSMA) in collaboration with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS). This review aims to ensure the manual remains pertinent to evolving development patterns, climate risks, new technologies and more effective stormwater management practices.

The review and the broader shift in approach are being showcased at the four-day National Conference on Stormwater Management (SWaM) 2026, held from September 1-4 at Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The conference, themed "Inspired by Nature, Engineered for Resilience," brings together nearly 400 participants from various sectors to explore sustainable approaches to managing urban stormwater and flash floods.

Organised by JPS, the Malaysian Stormwater Organisation (MSO), and co-organised by the River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) and The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), the conference is officiated by Deputy PETRA Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. PETRA emphasizes that SWaM serves as a platform to enhance knowledge-sharing, innovation and cooperation in urban stormwater management, especially in the face of increasing climate-related and urban pressures.

The ministry underscores that effective flash flood management requires a comprehensive approach integrating nature-based solutions, innovation, data and digital technology alongside traditional engineering measures. It stresses the importance of stronger collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, professional institutions, academia and industry to accelerate sustainable urban drainage management.

Ultimately, these efforts aim to make Malaysian cities safer and more resilient while safeguarding the wellbeing of communities against growing climate-related risks and urban challenges.