Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is still experiencing a vigorous and rapid land development process. Land development requires a careful and comprehensive planning process to ensure that a development can be implemented without significant negative impact on humans and the environment. With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, problems and issues related to rivers and the river environment are expected to intensify. River basins need to be managed in an integrated and holistic manner. The integrated river basin management (IRBM) approach is through the process of coordination, management, development and conservation of water, land and related resources covering various sectors regardless of administrative boundaries within a river basin. Failure of water resources planning in land development will cause huge impact on the environment such as water scarcity, water resources pollution, floods and environmental destruction. This will directly or indirectly affect the economy, investment and the well-being of the people.