(Front, from left) Petaling District Officer Rahilah Rahmat, Mohd Ikram, UPBN (management services) divisional secretary Muhammad Hanafi Ahmad, state deputy secretary (management) Mohamad Zahri Samingon and Haris at the launch of the District Disaster Operation Centre in Shah Alam.
Selangor has launched its first District Disaster Operation Centre (DDOC) which is set to transform emergency response in the state.
Located at the Petaling District and Land Office in Shah Alam, the centre works in conjunction with Smart Selangor Operation Centre (SSOC).
At the launch, state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim said the initiative had long been a dream of his.
“Before this, in the event of a disaster, we relied on manual procedures, resulting in slower response because of the non-systematic gathering of information.
“However, we are now equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently,” he said, adding that the centre would play a vital role in disaster data collection and coordination.
As it also collaborates with the State Disaster Management Unit (UPBN) and Information Management Division, the centre is expected to gather, manage and disseminate disaster-related data more efficiently.
In addition, it uses the Selangor Government Data Exchange (SelGDX) platform to obtain up-to-date information from relevant agencies such as Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Environment Department.
This integrated approach is meant to ensure a comprehensive response can be crafted when necessary.
The project currently covers three districts, namely Petaling, Klang and Hulu Langat, because of their susceptibility to flooding.
There are plans to expand the initiative to more districts next year.
Two smaller-scale DDOC are scheduled to begin operations by Nov 15 to help monitor the situation during the current monsoon season.
Selangor UPBN principal assistant secretary Mohd Ikram Rahimi said the DDOC would monitor disasters including tracking river water levels and weather conditions, as well as issue notifications and warnings.
“This place will act like a central hub that helps to quickly share information between the different areas,” he said.
