Public buildings and schools to be flood relief centres

PETALING JAYA: Public premises and boarding schools with full facilities will be the main choices for temporary flood relief centres (PPS) during the monsoon period, says Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

The Chief Secretary to the Government said the Cabinet meeting yesterday discussed the government’s preparations to face the monsoon and looking after the welfare of the people.

“In this regard, the meeting was informed that the Education Ministry and all relevant agencies have given approval for their public premises and boarding schools with complete facilities to be turned into temporary relief centres effective Oct 1,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are expected to experience downpours in November and December, with Johor, Sabah and Sarawak to face adverse weather from December to January.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecasted higher rainfall during the north-east monsoon later this year.

Mohd Zuki said that a National Security Council directive empowered the district officer, as chairman of the district disaster management committee, to identify and declare any public premises or school to be converted into a PPS.

He said this would ensure that things run smoothly on the ground.

“This is to ensure that the affected families get comfortable accommodation at a secure location.”