NEARLY 70,000 trained workers, including from the Civil Defence Force, People’s Volunteer Corps, and Fire and Rescue Department, are ready for all aspects of disaster management nationwide. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Armizan Mohd Ali said apart from the 69,754 rescue workers on standby, 7,906 temporary evacuation centres have been identified to house up to 1.9 million flood victims during the northeast monsoon season. 

He said based on data from the National Disaster Command Centre (NDCC), it has been raining in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang since early this morning. 

“As such, we hope all parties are ready to face the risk of floods in certain places, especially in the east coast states in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said after attending a briefing at the NDCC today. 

He also said flood management this year has been improved by updating the standard operating procedure, holding briefings and disaster simulations nationwide, and leading engagement sessions with local communities, such as village heads, youth groups and civil society organisations. 

Meanwhile, Armizan said he will hold discussions with ministries involved in relaying the latest information on disasters, such as the Home Ministry, Health Ministry and Communications and Digital Ministry, to coordinate the immediate dissemination of official information to the public.

He said telecommunications companies, through their corporate social responsibility initiatives, will also cooperate with the National Disaster Management Agency to channel information via SMS to residents in localities at high risk of floods and heavy rain. – Bernama, December 17, 2022.