Focus on disaster early warning systems

IN 2014, Malaysia was battered by heavy rain and rivers swelled dangerously, creating immense floods and one of the worst disasters in recent years. Approximately 500,000 to one million people, especially those living in Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu were affected.

This year saw a grim repeat of that catastrophe when persistent torrential downpours caused waters to rise in eight states and took nearly 50 lives, also causing injuries and damaging property to the tune of millions if not billions.