KUALA NERUS: A total of 64 schools in Terengganu have been identified as being at risk of flooding following the onset of the North-East Monsoon late last month, says the state Education Department.
Its director Kamsah @ Kamal Mohamed said the department had held meetings and simulations to coordinate measures in preparation for the disaster.
He said the department had also requested all agencies, including police, the Social Welfare Department and Civil Defence Force, to mobilise personnel and logistical resources immediately in the event of floods or other emergencies.
"Sometimes, floods are unpredictable. There are places where we expect flooding but it does not occur, and vice versa.
"However, we have discussed the data at meetings and called on all departments and agencies to help mobilise logistical resources," he told reporters after an event here on Tuesday (Nov 10).
Kamsah said 164 schools had also been identified and listed as temporary relief centres for the monsoon season.
He said of the total, 11 schools recorded the highest frequency of activation between 2018 and last year.
A total of 149 educational institutions, including national schools, national secondary schools, Chinese national-type schools, national religious secondary schools and vocational colleges, have been identified as being in flood-prone zones.
"We are fortunate that Terengganu now has a permanent relief centre at SMK Matang in Hulu Terengganu, which was completed in January and can be used this year.
"The facility was developed with an allocation of RM1mil from the National Disaster Management Agency and can accommodate more than 500 victims at any one time.
"Another permanent centre is being built at SK Banggol Peradong and is expected to be completed in March," he added. – Bernama
