PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has stated that a new Act focusing on a comprehensive approach to national disaster management is under consideration. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, and Special Duties) mentioned that engagement sessions are currently being conducted to review National Security Council (NSC) Directive No. 20. He further added that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is gradually introducing a disaster risk reduction policy while engaging in the review of Directive No. 20.
Armizan explained after attending the Rakan Nadma Disaster Emergency Simulation Exercise (Randex) 2023 in Putrajaya that if necessary, a specific Act on national disaster management would be established to establish a complete legal framework. NSC Directive No. 20 outlines the policy and mechanisms of national disaster management and defines the roles and responsibilities of disaster management committees at all levels.
The minister also commented on the current intermonsoon period, mentioning that five states have already been affected by floods between September 19 and 21. Additionally, seven districts have also been affected, resulting in the opening of seven temporary relief centers. There have been 589 flood victims identified thus far. Armizan highlighted the importance of the district-level disaster management committees being prepared for any eventualities during this period.
Armizan reported that 89 localities across the country experienced floods during the northeast monsoon that lasted from November to March. Out of these, 77 witnessed recurring floods. He instructed Nadma to assess these locations and ensure their preparedness for floods. Although specific hotspot locations were not provided, the majority of these flood-prone areas are in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor.
Armizan also stressed that the actions taken during disasters are guided by the instructions outlined in NSC Directive No. 20. He mentioned that the directive includes guidelines for disaster management committees at the federal, state, and district levels, as well as the scale of the disaster. Level 1 disasters are managed by the district, Level 2 by the state, and Level 3 by Nadma.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) announced on September 14 that the intermonsoon period would begin on September 19 and last until November, marking the end of the South-West monsoon season which started on March 15.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
