KUALA LUMPUR: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will implement artificial intelligence (AI) to help locate victims faster.
Its deputy director-general, Datuk Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar, said the agency hopes to eventually deploy drones integrated with AI to help identify trapped victims during emergencies.
“We can combine drone technology with predictive AI data to triangulate affected areas and determine where to deploy assets and rescue teams,” he said, describing it as part of Nadma’s during a press conference at The Resilient Asia 2026 Expo and Forum at World Trade Centre (WTC) on Friday (April 24).
He added that AI is already being used to improve data collection and management, allowing agencies and responders to act more quickly.
“We are using these tools for early warnings, such as predicting heavy rainfall during both dry and monsoon seasons. Predictive AI helps us anticipate weather conditions,” he said.
The data collected is then channelled to the Nadma, where it is combined and analysed alongside information from other agencies to support decision-making and response planning.
Present with him at the press conference was Terengganu Deputy Secretary Datuk Jusman Ibrahim and Timor-Leste's First Secretary to Malaysia Nilton Saad
The Resilient Asia 2026 Expo and Forum, themed "AI for Future-Proofing Disaster Management Towards Stronger Communities”, brought together international experts, technical agencies, response units, technology leaders and industry players from across Asia to focus on technology-driven transformation in disaster management.
The event was launched on Thursday (April 23) by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
