IPOH: Disaster risk mitigation plans must be in place before the start of any development, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said development of land, roads, houses and infrastructure, cannot be done without considering the safety of the people in the area.
"Some risks sometimes builds up years before any disaster strikes.
"It begins when development do not take into account water flow in drainage systems that are not apace with urban growth and settlements continue to grow in risky areas," he said in his speech when launching the National Preparedness Month at the Ipoh Convention Centre here on Sunday (Oct 11).
"Whether we realise it or not, the decisions we make today will affect the people in the future.
"We cannot develop an area quickly while not considering the safety of its inhabitants. It is a shared risk that requires shared action," he added.
He said that while rescue teams are efficient when dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, there needs to be plans to reduce the risks before they occur.
"The measure of our success is also the extent to which people can be protected and fewer risk of those who will be affected," he added.
Ahmad Zahid also called on states to devise an action plan based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 and according to local risks to minimise impact on the people.
"Our preparedness must protect two important values, life and economy.
"We want to save lives, in addition to protecting people's homes and livelihoods before any disaster strikes," he said.
He said the Statistics Department recorded losses of about RM637mil due to natural disasters in 2025.
"This included about RM380mil worth of damages to public assets and infrastructure.
"Although the total has decreased compared to about RM933mil in the previous year, the impact remains profound for those who have lost their homes, their income sources affected and were forced to rebuild their lives," he added.
Ahmad Zahid said that a good natural disaster management structure was not enough.
"It must be translated into clear action on the ground.
"We have to work as one team," he said.
"Don't let boundaries in administration becomes the boundary of responsibility," he added.
The event was aimed at creating awareness on the preparedness towards natural disasters.
Also present were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, National Disaster Management Agency director-general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim, Perak Speaker Datuk Seri Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid and State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim.
