He said it is crucial to initiate these projects early to reduce the risks and impact of disasters, as well as to save on costs.

Zahid, who is also the central disaster management committee chairman, said such disasters cannot be taken lightly due to climate change and global warming.

“Based on projections by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), small islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean will be below sea level by 2050,” he said.

“This means that coastal areas on both the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as coastal areas in Sabah and Sarawak, will experience erosion.

“If nothing is done now, we will have to spend no less than RM1 trillion by 2050,” he said at a press conference after launching the Halal On Track @ Pahang Programme here today.

Zahid was asked to comment on the RM600 million allocation given to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for flood preparedness when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tabled the 2025 budget in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

This includes more than RM300 million already allocated for preparations in case of any disasters.

Zahid said his team is coordinating with the energy transition and water transformation ministry, with flood mitigation projects being placed under the irrigation and drainage department.

He said the government has also allocated funds for the construction of permanent evacuation centres which are equipped with basic facilities to replace schools and community halls.