Impact of Climate Change on Rainfall Patterns and Water Availability in Peninsular Malaysia: A Statistical Analysis
Climate change poses significant threats to water resources management in Malaysia, particularly affecting rainfall patterns and water availability. This study analyses historical rainfall data from 1990-2025 across major river basins in Peninsular Malaysia to assess climate change impacts on water resources. Using statistical trend analysis and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), we identified significant changes in rainfall variability and increased frequency of extreme events. Results show a 12% increase in rainfall variability and a 35% increase in extreme precipitation events over the study period. The Kelantan River Basin demonstrated the most pronounced changes, with extreme event frequency increasing by 52% over three decades. These findings have critical implications for water resources planning, flood management, and drought mitigation strategies in Malaysia. The study recommends integrated adaptation approaches combining structural interventions such as expanded reservoir capacity with non-structural measures including enhanced monitoring systems and climate-resilient water allocation policies.
Authors
Abstract
Climate change poses significant threats to water resources management in Malaysia, particularly affecting rainfall patterns and water availability. This study analyses historical rainfall data from 1990-2025 across major river basins in Peninsular Malaysia to assess climate change impacts on water resources. Using statistical trend analysis and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), we identified significant changes in rainfall variability and increased frequency of extreme events. Results show a 12% increase in rainfall variability and a 35% increase in extreme precipitation events over the study period. The Kelantan River Basin demonstrated the most pronounced changes, with extreme event frequency increasing by 52% over three decades. These findings have critical implications for water resources planning, flood management, and drought mitigation strategies in Malaysia. The study recommends integrated adaptation approaches combining structural interventions such as expanded reservoir capacity with non-structural measures including enhanced monitoring systems and climate-resilient water allocation policies.
Citation
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