THE government will set up a task force to improve the existing communications system and create a faster and more effective early warning system for disasters.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa said the matter would be discussed in detail by the ministry’s secretary-general and the relevant agencies, including the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

“The cabinet is of the opinion that the communications system and information delivery to the people need to be improved.

“That is why we strive to have a better system… by adopting the concept of SMS blasting so that we can send early warning quickly and accurately to the people in disaster-affected areas,” he told a press conference after delivering the ministry’s New Year message at Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur today.

In the message, Annuar also acknowledged that there were some weaknesses in the existing methods of information delivery during disasters. He said complaints and criticisms received for the weaknesses would be looked into for improvements. – Bernama, January 6, 2022.