Perak launches new geo-disaster system

Photo: RONNIE CHIN/The Star

IPOH: A new geo-disaster system has been introduced by the Perak government to help with its flood management.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the system was also equipped with a Geographic Information System (GIS).

"The GIS provides information regarding various complex issues such as infrastructure development, natural resources, environmental land management as well as health matters.

"Together with the information regarding land structures, the integration of these two will help related agencies and departments to identify and monitor areas that are at risk," he told reporters after attending the launching of the Geospatial Aspiration programme at the state secretariat building here on Monday (Sept 4).

Saarani said the application was initiated by State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suadi Abdul Rahim.

"We believe that the application will have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster management, especially floods and it can also be accessed via smartphones.

"Among the new features added are the vacancies at evacuation centres and relevant agencies can also check on the number of rescued victims," he said.

"Only government departments and agencies have full access to it while the public can only access certain aspects of it," he added.

He said the GIS could also provide information that could boost the state’s economic sector.

"It can provide information regarding various complex issues like infrastructure development, natural resources, environmental land management, and health matters.

"It can also help with mapping fishing areas that can contribute to increasing fishermen's catch, as well as increasing food resources and the fishermen's economy,” he said.