INTRODUCTION

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Issues of flooding are one of the main issues capturing our concern these recent years. The probability of flooding gets more frequent and intense due to rampant development. The scenario is worsened under the pressure of impact of climate variability. From a study conducted by NAHRIM pertaining to “Impact of Climate Change on the Hydrologic Regime and Water Resources of Peninsular Malaysia”, it is projected that in 30 years ahead, there is profound changes in annual precipitation in North East and North West region of the Peninsular while in central and southern region of the Peninsular, it will be a prolonged dry season (NAHRIM, 2006).

Melaka River catchment experienced numerous flooding events in the past. Serious flooding occurred on 31 January 1999, 13 August 2003, 8 September 2003, 18 December 2005 and the most recent flood hit langkawi was in August 2009. For 13 August 2003 flood, it was reported in Utusan Malaysia (2003) that the main factor causing the flood were due to abnormal weather and heavy rainfall. It was recorded about 250mm of rain dropped on 13 August 2003 compared to the normal average daily rainfall depth at 30 to 40 mm. Figure 1.1 shows the flood events reported by Utusan Malaysia (2003).

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