Nadma dismisses poor coordination claims

SHAH ALAM: Allegations on the lack of coordination during flood relief operations in Selangor have been dismissed by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

Its director-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim said a National Disaster Committee meeting was even held in September to outline the roles of each agency should a disaster occur.

“Disaster management consisted of three levels – district, state and national.

“The roles of each agency have been outlined fully so there is no issue of lack of coordination among the agencies,” he told a press conference at the flood operation centre in Taman Sri Muda yesterday.

Aminuddin was responding to claims Nadma was initially reluctant to get the army to help with relief operations.

He noted that every state disaster committee was chaired by the respective state secretary and they take over the mobilising of agencies during a disaster.

“At the same time, funds are allocated for each agency and district for logistics and necessities,” he said.

“If any difficulty occurs, such as if a certain agency does not respond well, Nadma will take over.”

He said Nadma had worked to ensure that each agency knows its roles.

“At the state level, the disaster committee will have their meeting as well. For example, the Meteorological Department will inform on the state’s weather while the Drainage and Irrigation Department will inform on the water levels and flow, so the state secretary will know what assets to mobilise in case of a disaster,” he said.

Aminuddin said Nadma would also monitor the preparedness of each state from time to time.

For east coast states, disaster simulations and training had been conducted over the last two years, he said.

“We provide training for even until the district officer,” he added.

Aminuddin also denied that there was a rift between Nadma and the army.

“I’ve talked to the Army chief and he had assured me rumours of a rift did not come from his men or him.

“Our relations remain good. The rumours are nothing more than lies,” he said.

Aminuddin also said Nadma had never prevented the army from conducting flood relief efforts.