Malaysia is planning to implement new disaster management techniques used in Japan, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data, to tackle flooding issues in the country, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, stated that these methods have proven effective in addressing natural disasters in the long term. He added that the efforts will be coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID).
During his seven-day working visit to Japan, Ahmad Zahid received a briefing on disaster management in Osaka and emphasized the importance of leveraging the experience gained there to develop long-term plans for managing flooding problems in Malaysia.
He highlighted the need to focus not only on providing welfare to flood victims but also on improving irrigation, drainage, and flood control using new technologies to effectively address flooding issues. Additionally, Ahmad Zahid noted that lessons learned from local authorities in Osaka, including flood mitigation and the installation of large-capacity water pumps, can be applied in Malaysia.
He emphasized the importance of finding long-term solutions at a reasonable cost, as well as the need to coordinate all mitigation efforts to reduce disaster risks in Malaysia.
Ahmad Zahid also mentioned that he will hold discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to coordinate the required mitigation efforts.
