KOTA KINABALU: The National Disaster Management Agency says disaster response and management require continued coordination among agencies, academics, security forces and the public.
Nadma deputy director-general Datuk Hussain Moh said at a community-based disaster management programme in Labuan that stronger cooperation helped agencies arrange and coordinate response and aid during disasters. He said training and awareness programmes could improve public readiness and strengthen communities facing disaster risks.
“These initiatives are in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in our effort to strengthen community resilience,” he added.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Natural Disaster Research Centre led the programme, which involved various agencies in Labuan. Hussain made the remarks during the event.
Labuan Corporation deputy chairperson Simsudin Sidek said the programme should be supported because it helped educate the public, expand networks and build partnerships. He said cooperation among agencies, academics and non-governmental organisations was important for community preparedness.
“We hope this programme would serve as an implementation model for efficient community-based disaster risk management and in strengthening preparedness within the community when disaster strikes,” he said.
UMS NDRC director Prof Dr Carolyn M. Payus said the programme had been carried out since 2015 as part of the centre’s main functions
“It is also to build a more resilient and united community that is able to handle crises as a team,” she said.
Organisers said participants received briefings on the roles of security and response agencies, tsunami risk, earthquakes and emergency simulation training. They said participants also received training on disaster risk, operations, action plans and first aid.
