Nadma instructed to mobilise its full machinery, says PM
PETALING JAYA: As the floods in Sabah and Sarawak that have left thousands of victims displaced continues to worsen, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has instructed the respective state education departments to take the necessary measures to ensure affected SPM candidates are able to sit for their examinations safely.
“I am saddened by the worsening floods in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said while expressing his condolences to flood victims in a Facebook post yesterday.
Anwar said he has also instructed the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to update and coordinate its machinery, comprising state and federal agencies, for flood relief.
“The priority at the moment is the flood victims’ welfare and the safety of people in the affected areas,” he said.
“The Ihsan Madani squad will also assist flood victims at temporary relief centres and are prepared for post-flood duties,” Anwar said.
“May all victims affected by the floods be given patience and strength throughout these trying times.”
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said all federal and state disaster relief assets have been mobilised to the 13 flood-affected locations in Sarawak, where over 6,700 people have been impacted as of noon yesterday.More than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Nadma would also coordinate with relevant parties, including the Education Ministry, to identify schools and community halls in higher-ground areas that could be used as relief centres.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the team will look into the need to construct Bailey bridges in areas where transport links have been affected.
“We have discussed with the Royal Engineers Corps regarding preparations for the construction of these bridges,” Ahmad Zahid told a press conference after inspecting the SM Imtiaz Tuminah Hamidi construction project in Bagan Datuk yesterday.
He said an early warning system has also been activated to issue advance notices for evacuation purposes in the event of high tide.
