PETALING JAYA: Disaster operations control centres nationwide have been activated in stages as authorities step up preparations for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to bring several episodes of prolonged heavy rain until March next year.
The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said the centres, operating under state and district disaster management committees, began their phased activation on Nov 12.
In a statement on Friday (Nov 13), Nadma said the activation would enable emergency response operations, information sharing, deployment of assets and distribution of assistance to be coordinated more effectively.
“Temporary evacuation centres (PPS) were being equipped with sufficient basic necessities to ensure the welfare of flood victims, while incident control posts and rescue agency assets were on standby for deployment,” it said
The preparedness measures follow a forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department that the monsoon, which began on Oct 27, would continue until March 2027.
Nadma said between three and five episodes of continuous heavy rain were expected during the period, potentially causing floods, particularly in low-lying and high-risk areas.
“The activation of the Centralised Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) reflects a comprehensive commitment and demonstrates that the preparedness of disaster management machinery nationwide is currently at an optimum level,” it said.
The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and make early preparations, including identifying evacuation routes and the locations of nearby temporary evacuation centres.
It also advised the public to download the MyDIMS application to monitor weather warnings, flood information and the status of nearby evacuation centres.
