PUTRAJAYA: The government has plans to establish eight more permanent relief centres (PPK) equipped with essential facilities to aid flood victims, says Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus.
This decision follows the successful renovation and repair of a hall in Taman Kota Jaya, Kota Tinggi, Johor, which is now designated as a PPK.
"The hall has been upgraded with comfortable toilets and bathrooms and can now accommodate around 400 flood victims, an increase from the previous capacity of 190," the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general said.
He made these remarks after attending an engagement session on preparations for the northeast monsoon at the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) Base in Pulau Meranti on Friday (Nov 8).
Khairul Shahril also mentioned that Nadma has identified locations for the new PPKs, including Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Johor, and Perak.
The project is currently in the tender phase, with state governments managing the process in Sabah and Sarawak, while the Public Works Department oversees it in other states.
The estimated cost to build each PPK is around RM5mil, with construction expected to take up to 15 months.
"These PPKs will be built near schools so that students can use the facilities outside of flood season. This is part of the first phase aimed at ending the use of schools as temporary shelters for flood victims," he explained.
During the engagement session, Khairul Shahril urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collaborate with NADMA in providing aid and services to flood victims during the monsoon season.
NGOs can register via the Rakan Nadma app to streamline aid distribution and minimise waste.
"The app also enables NGOs to share information about their operations and the types of assistance needed in flood-hit areas, complementing the aid provided by the government," he said. – Bernama
