KOTA KINABALU, February 24– The government is taking proactive steps to address flood issues by allocating RM22 billion for the implementation of Rancangan Tebatan Banjir (RTB) flood mitigation plan nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the allocation includes upgrading works for RTB projects that have been and are being identified, particularly in areas that are frequently affected by floods.

Additionally, an extra RM800 million will be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan to tackle flooding in the Penampang and Putatan areas.

"Typically, in this area, floods occur four times a year. Several measures have been taken for mitigation, and we believe certain packages have been implemented.

"However, there are still packages two and four that are being listed for action so that the flood issues in the Penampang and Putatan areas can be resolved," he told reporters after visiting the RTB project in the Lido Environment area, Kota Kinabalu today.