Malaysia and Singapore to Review Linggiu Dam Emergency Plans After Nepal Floods

In response to the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof announced that the emergency response plan for the Linggiu Dam will be reviewed. This review will be conducted by a joint technical working group co-led by Malaysia’s Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry and Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, with a meeting scheduled for November 5, 2026.

The Linggiu Dam, located in Johor, is crucial for Singapore as it is managed and maintained by Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB) under the 1962 Johor River Water Agreement and its 1990 supplementary agreement. Fadillah emphasized that while Singapore oversees operations, Malaysia, as the dam's owner, must adhere to the Dam Safety Management Guidelines, which require regularly updated emergency action plans.

“Fadillah Yusof said that the current focus is on preventive measures and that executing these measures will reduce the risk of disaster.”Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia

Fadillah said that the National Disaster Management Agency is responsible for coordinating emergency responses, including public notifications and evacuations during emergencies. He also said that the current focus is on preventive measures and that executing these measures will reduce the risk of disaster. The ministry is prioritizing upgrades to automated sirens and multi-channel mobile alert systems to enhance community safety.

The recent floods in Nepal, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, have raised concerns about infrastructure management and the potential for similar disasters in Malaysia. Following the floods, PUB's annual inspections and comprehensive assessments of the Linggiu Dam were highlighted, with assurance that safety updates are presented periodically to Johor’s Water Regulatory Body (BAKAJ).

“Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said PUB conducts annual inspections and comprehensive assessments every five years, ensuring the dam's structural integrity is regularly evaluated.”Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation

Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad confirmed that PUB conducts annual inspections and comprehensive assessments every five years, ensuring that the dam's structural integrity is regularly evaluated. He mentioned that the National Dam Centre (PEN), established in 2025, aims to strengthen dam safety management across the country, although it does not monitor the Linggiu Dam due to its management by PUB.

In light of Singapore's concerns regarding water levels in the Linggiu Dam, which have fluctuated significantly in recent years, Johor officials have assured that measures are in place to maintain adequate water supply. The dam is vital for Singapore, which is entitled to draw up to 250 million gallons of water per day from the Johor River, as stipulated in the 1962 agreement.