KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved the establishment of the National Disaster Management Council, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In a statement on Thursday (April 9), Ahmad Zahid said the council is a key step towards strengthening disaster management and risk reduction governance in Malaysia.
"We need a structure that enables quick strategic decisions, effective coordination and rapid mobilisation on the ground, without gaps between the Federal Government and the states," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said he had proposed and refined the establishment of the council at a previous Central Disaster Management Committee meeting, in line with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030, which he launched in 2024.
"We do not only want to act when a disaster occurs, but to ensure the country is prepared early so that risks are minimised and the impact on lives, property and the economy is reduced as much as possible," he said.
He added that the restructuring strengthens the role of the National Disaster Management Agency as the lead agency.
"It is important to strengthen disaster management coordination at the regional level. This step will lay a stronger foundation for Malaysia to face future disaster challenges," he said.
In January 2026, it was reported that Ahmad Zahid had proposed the National Disaster Management Council as the country’s highest body for disaster management and risk reduction.
He said that during any crisis, all information must come from a verified source to ensure proper coordination.
"For instance, in coordinating information, there should only be one spokesperson or source. We are not asking to consolidate more power, but to coordinate everything," he said.
