BATU PAHAT: The establishment of permanent flood relief centres is a crucial step towards strengthening Malaysia’s disaster preparedness and reducing disruptions to schools and communities affected by recurring floods, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), which was separated from the National Security Council and established as a standalone agency, had improved coordination among key agencies such as the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Fire and Rescue Department, police, Armed Forces and Welfare Department to ensure more effective disaster response.
“Nadma allows us to coordinate preparations and evacuation efforts much earlier. We do not want to be caught off guard when an entire year’s worth of rainfall falls within a few days,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this in his speech before launching Malaysia first Permanent Disaster Relief Centre (PPKB) at SK Sri Medan on Sunday (June 28).
Ahmad Zahid praised Nadma and its Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart), saying they had gained international recognition for their disaster management capabilities.
He said Smart had been recognised by the United Nations and was regarded as among the best disaster response teams in Asia.
On the newly launched facility, he said Batu Pahat had experienced 17 flood incidents between 2022 and 2026, making the construction of a permanent relief centre necessary.
“Built at a cost of RM7.6mil, the centre can accommodate up to 500 flood victims and is equipped with various facilities including bathrooms, cooking areas, drying spaces and recreational amenities,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid said the centre would also serve as a community facility outside the flood season and revealed that Johor was expected to receive two additional permanent relief centres in the future.
He added that Nadma had been instructed to adopt a 10-year planning framework to address long-term challenges posed by climate change and global warming while ensuring government allocations are utilised effectively for the benefit of disaster victims.
