'Malaysians must brace for more floods'

"Rapid development and environmental degradation have caused worse and more frequent occurrence of floods and landslides, especially in urban areas," a report by the World Bank said. According to the Malaysia Economic Monitor 2011 (Smart Cities) report, "while heavy rainfall in Malaysia is linked to climatic patterns, man-made factors aggravate the impact of floods." "Malaysia has started to complement defensive action and structural flood controls but more comprehensive approaches are needed," the report said.