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Malaysia has experienced increasing flash floods in recent years, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, and Kelantan. Urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, clogged waterways, and intense rainfall — exacerbated by climate change — all contribute to these recurring floods.

These floods cause property damage, disrupt livelihoods, displace families, and increase health risks from waterborne diseases and environmental pollution. The December 2021 floods displaced over 70,000 people and caused billions in damages — showing how urgently this issue needs to be addressed.

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Malaysian government's initiative to explore the implementation of a 'combined sewer' system to mitigate urban flash floods. The Sewerage Services Department (JPP) has been tasked with studying the feasibility of integrating sewage treatment plants and sewer networks that manage both wastewater and stormwater. Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir highlighted that such systems, including 'deep sewers' as practiced in Singapore, could be considered to reduce flash flood risks in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur.

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Environmental experts attribute the frequent flash floods in Kuala Lumpur to overdevelopment and environmental concretisation. The dense urbanization in the Sungai Klang basin, characterized by extensive paving and reduced green spaces, has led to increased surface runoff during heavy rains. Former National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia director-general Salmah Zakaria emphasized that the lack of vegetation and permeable surfaces prevents natural water absorption, exacerbating flood risks. The article suggests adopting 'sponge city' concepts, which involve creating more green spaces and water retention areas, to enhance urban flood resilience.

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The Principle of Maqasid al-Shariah and Environmental Protection

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The Principle of Maqasid al-Shariah and Environmental Protection

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Islam teaches that natural resources must be managed with wisdom (hikmah) and foresight. Destructive behaviors such as overdevelopment, pollution, and disregard for natural balance fall under fasad (corruption), which Allah warns against:

"Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned..." Surah Ar-Rum (30:41)

Floods and natural disasters, while part of divine will (qadar), can also be seen as a reminder (tadhkirah) or consequence of failing to fulfill our duties as stewards (khalifah) of the Earth.

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Islamic Perspective on Environmental Stewardship

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Islamic Perspective on Environmental Stewardship

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In Islam, humans are considered khalifah (stewards) of the Earth, entrusted to protect and maintain balance in nature.

"And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation..." Surah Al-A’raf (7:56)

Flooding often results from mismanagement of nature deforestation, poor urban planning, and pollution. Islam strongly emphasizes the responsibility of the ummah (community) to avoid harm (darar) and to plan with foresight and justice (‘adl).

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 Improving Urban Drainage and Flood Mitigation Infrastructure

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 Improving Urban Drainage and Flood Mitigation Infrastructure

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Upgrade and expand drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

Invest in green infrastructure: retention ponds, green roofs, permeable pavements.

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Encourage local “gotong-royong” (communal clean-up) to keep drains and rivers clear.

Mobilize mosques and suraus as centers for flood preparedness and emergency response.

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Enforce stricter controls on deforestation and development near rivers and wetlands.

Promote tree-planting campaigns with involvement from schools and religious institutions.

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Include Islamic environmental ethics in Friday sermons (khutbahs) and religious classes.

Highlight stories from the Sunnah where the Prophet ﷺ cared for water, animals, and land — to inspire behavioral change.