12MP review: National Geology Disaster Centre to be set up by year's end

KUALA LUMPUR: A National Geology Disaster Centre will be set up at the end of the year, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the centre was aimed at improving disaster response in a bid to ensure public safety.

“The government is aware of flood and landslide disasters that constantly happen (and is) working to protect the people.

"(For) better effectiveness of early disaster warning systems, a National Geology Disaster Centre will be introduced at the end of the year.

“It is also aimed at improving response efficiency towards disasters," Anwar said when tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review in Parliament on Monday (Sept 11).

Anwar said the National Disaster Management Centre currently under the purview of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) would also be reviewed.

"This is to improve preparedness and the ability to handle disasters," he added.

Separately, Anwar said laws related to pollution at water sources and the water services industry will be reviewed.

This was to ensure perpetrators would be slapped with a deserving penalty.

“We want to ensure the sustainability of our resources and clean water services for the people," he said.

Parliament is scheduled to sit for six days from Sept 11 to table the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan and subsequently debate it.