BEIJING: Malaysia is looking to tap China’s expertise in advanced satellite-based weather forecasting to strengthen its early warning systems and improve disaster preparedness ahead of the Northeast Monsoon, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said China had offered to make its more advanced forecasting systems and equipment available to Malaysia, although the technology might not be ready for use during the current monsoon season.
He added Malaysia also proposed a bilateral agreement with China on disaster cooperation, including mutual legal assistance regarding national disasters.
“We hope to obtain China’s cooperation in accessing more advanced global weather forecasting equipment. This is particularly important as we prepare for the Northeast Monsoon,” he told a press conference with the local media delegation here on Tuesday (Oct 13).
Asked if there was any timeline for the implementation of the system, Ahmad Zahid clarified that the proposed cooperation involved more than equipment, as the system uses satellite technology to improve forecasting accuracy.
“MetMalaysia currently uses existing systems, but we recognise that China has more advanced and sophisticated technology.
“We may not be able to implement this in time for the current Northeast Monsoon season, but we will work to facilitate the transfer of technology, systems and equipment as soon as possible for use in the coming years,” he said.
He said access to more sophisticated forecasting capabilities would enable authorities to prepare earlier for floods, coordinate evacuations and minimise losses.
Flood-related losses declined from about RM960mil in 2024 to RM600mil last year, which he attributed to improved preparedness.
“I hope cooperation with China, particularly in accessing more sophisticated weather forecasting data and information, will allow us to prepare sooner for evacuations and the safekeeping of flood victims’ important documents,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the government had recently held a preparedness month programme and was working with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to identify areas at risk of disasters, particularly when heavy rain and strong wind surges exceeded initial forecasts.
Early warnings would be issued to facilitate evacuations in designated high-risk areas, while temporary relief centres had been established and upgraded to accommodate evacuees.
He said permanent evacuation centres had also been established, with their halls used for school activities and other purposes outside the flood season.
“We cannot prevent natural disasters from happening, but we can be prepared to manage them,” he said.
The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and disaster management committees at the federal, state and district levels would also play a role in strengthening preparedness and early action, he added.
Ahmad Zahid is on a five-day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin to deepen bilateral cooperation in several areas, including security, law enforcement and technical and vocational education and training.
MetMalaysia announced that the inter-monsoon period began on Oct 9 and is expected to continue until the end of the month.
The Northeast Monsoon typically brings heavy rainfall and increases flood risks, particularly along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.
