The Subang Jaya deputy mayor posing for a group photo with participants. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
COMMUNITY engagement in preparation for emergencies is vital in disaster management, says Subang Jaya deputy mayor Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali.
He said their preparedness would help lessen risks and reinforce resilience.
He stressed that this was especially important as the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecast excessive rainfall until March due to the northeast monsoon season.
“Continuous rain or heavy drizzle for hours can cause floods or landslides.
“The floods in December 2021 and landslide in Taman Wawasan in 2023 demonstrated the sudden and devastating effects a disaster can have on families and communities,” said Mohd Zulkurnain.
On Dec 16, 2023, a landslide at Jalan Wawasan 3/9 in Pusat Bandar Puchong, Selangor, swallowed four cars and led to the evacuation of 29 residents from nine houses.
Mohd Zulkurnain was speaking at the “Disaster Resilient Community Facing the Northeast Monsoon” seminar to prepare residents for better coordination with various agencies.
He said the seminar was a critical component to guide residents and villagers on steps to be taken to ensure they were safe before, during and after a disaster.
About 80 people from 30 areas under Subang Jaya City Council’s (MBSJ) jurisdiction participated in the seminar.
At the seminar, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), Subang District Welfare Department, MetMalaysia, Subang Fire and Rescue Department, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, local councillors, MBSJ’s quick response squad (Pantas) and the Subang Jaya police shared information on what was necessary during an emergency.
Mohd Zulkurnain said Pantas had enhanced its logistics capabilities and manpower to respond to flash floods and assist Subang Jaya residents.
“Our squad has prepared enough assets and manpower to tackle flash floods.
“Pantas will be on standby around the clock at the command centre to provide immediate help during landslides and floods,” he said.
Mohamad Saat Osman, 64, from Batu 13, Puchong, said the seminar gave him better knowledge to guide others during a flood.
Bandar Puteri Puchong resident Kathryn Wong, 47, said she participated in the seminar to understand what to do in case of a landslide as the township was located in a hilly area.
Melvin Lim, 52, from USJ1, said information provided by the various agencies could give people the ability to cope with and recover from a disaster and also protect their families.