By Zaki Salleh
KUALA LUMPUR: The uncertainty of weather conditions, alongside the Northeast Monsoon season, has prompted the government to prepare; including the mobilisation of 82,794 personnel from various agencies in the event of flooding.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that all officers and members will perform their duties with support from 37,127 units of various assets.
This includes 2,031 rescue boats, 1,399 4×4 vehicles, 1,646 heavy machinery, 31 helicopters, and 760 modular steel bridges.
“The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) is ready to activate 8,481 Temporary Evacuation Centers (PPS) nationwide.
“This can accommodate 2,158,743 victims across the country.
“As part of the disaster preparedness nationwide, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has allocated RM232 million in disaster aid to all states.
“This funding is to be distributed to heads of households affected by disasters who meet the established eligibility criteria,” he said in a statement published on the Parliament website.
At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that a meeting of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP) on October 3 directed that District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD) be activated and their roles strengthened at all disaster locations.
He emphasised that this is to ensure swift action is taken in the event of any disaster, including major flooding.
“Additionally, all State Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) and JPBD are instructed to be prepared in advance.
“This is to ensure that supply assistance reaches the affected locations to avoid more difficult situations if roads are cut off, and so on,” he added.
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) has updated and identified 5,648 flood hotspot locations nationwide to address and reduce flood risks.
