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In general, options for reducing stresses on water
resources include increasing reservoir capacity,
changing the operating rules of water resources
systems, promoting use of groundwater, and
improving long- and short-range hydrologic
forecasting; also changing land use practices to
reduce sediment and nutrient loss to surface and
groundwater could significantly enhance water
quality. In particular, Malaysia has taken progressive
steps towards a better watershed management
by the implementation of EIA, Environment
Management Plan (EMP), River Catchment
Management Plan (RCMP) in major water resources
and land development projects, the establishment of
the National Water Resources Council in 1998, and
the proposed establishment of river management
authorities. The National Water Resources <strong>Study</strong>
in 1982 was the first effort of the Government
to establish long-term plan for integrated water
resources development. Since then, a number of the
recommendations made have been taken up and
followed through by the Government. It has been
developed a second National Water Resources <strong>Study</strong>
II (2000–50) (MOSTE, 2000)
Education and awareness programmes to promote
the idea of conservation and protection of the
environment and water resources among the
general public, especially the younger population,
are other effective long-term strategies to mitigate
the impacts of climate change on Malaysia’s water
resources (MOSTE, 2000).
Among some non-structural measures that
have been implemented, the Urban Stormwater
Management Manual (MSMA), published by DID
in 2000, puts emphasis of peak discharge control
at source to prevent floods. In 2001, the Cabinet
approved that local authorities, public and private
development projects implement and compile
it. It provides control at-source measures and
recommendations on flood control by means of
detention and retention, infiltration and purification
process, including erosion and sedimentation
controls. To achieve the objectives of the guideline,
DID has reviewed previous drainage master
plans, upgrade old drainage systems in stages,
provided network cooperation and support from
other government, organized training courses for
engineers, and imposed Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Plan as mandatory approval for earth works
development plan (Husaini, 2007). Some practical
measures implemented by the Government were i.e.
the collection of rainfall from roof of buildings to be
re-cycled for domestic use, which also will reduce
the run-off and thus the frequency and magnitude of
floods; later the installation of 6-liter toilet flushing
cisterns were introduced in new buildings to reduce
the volume of water required per flush. Individually
the amount of water saved may seem insignificant,
but collectively the total amount will be considerable,
especially in times of serious drought.
Zakaira and Jamalluddin (2007) study gives three
types of adaptation measures: structural measures
for inland water resources, non-structural measures
for inland water resources, and measures for coastal
resources. Among the structural measures are
listed dams, river improvements, levees, diversions,
detention storage and pumping installations to
mitigate increased flooding, and for those places
where climate change reduces rainfall there is a
need to upgrade our existing infrastructure for water
storage. To complement structural flood measures
various non-structural measures can be taken such as
flood zoning and flood risk mapping, flood proofing
and resettlement of affected population. Also, to
sustain economic growth and human well being, it
is needed that the water resources plan of affected
basins are reviewed to improve the effective use of
water resources, the adoption of improved water
management practices in water supply, irrigation and
hydropower generation, the development of rules
and guidelines to account for climate change impacts
in the nation’s infrastructure, the employment
of risk management approach in dealing water
shortages due to droughts via the development of
drought plans, and the sensibilization of the public
to the problems of water wastage and to introduce
policies or taxes that would cut waste and constrain
demand, i.e. through public awareness and education
programs.
The current existing policy related with Water
Resources Management is the Third Outline
Perspective Plan (OPP3) 2001-2010 and the Ninth
Malaysia Plan (9MP) 2006-2010. Malaysia climate
projections are required in assessing vulnerability and
adaptation; NAHRIM, the Malaysian Meteorological
Department (MMD) and UKM are actively looking at
climate change projections in Malaysia, the RegHCM-
PM (NAHRIM’s Regional Hydro-climate Model of
Peninsular Malaysia) is the basis for the vulnerability
assessment and consequent adaptation measures
for the 7 vulnerable sectors, and similar study has
been started for East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak)
(July 2007) (Zakaria and Jamalluddin, 2007).
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