Kuala lumpur: Fifteen permanent disaster relief centres (PPKB), equipped with basic facilities, are being constructed nationwide to accommodate flood victims, announced National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) deputy director-general (Post-Disaster) Hussain Moh.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PPKB at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Seri Medan, Johor, is expected to be the first to be completed by early January next year. Hussain noted that initially, one PPKB is being built per state as a pilot initiative. However, in Terengganu, two projects are underway, which involve upgrading existing temporary relief centres (PPS) and constructing a new PPKB.
The PPKB project at SK Banggol Peradong aims for completion by July next year, while the upgraded PPS at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Matang is ready for use should flooding occur this monsoon season. Hussain shared this information with reporters during the handover of the Terengganu State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC).
The SDCC represents part of the MADANI government's efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure efficient management through cooperative state-level measures to safeguard lives and property.
Hussain stated that the cost of constructing each PPKB averages around RM8 million, varying based on site conditions and state-specific needs. Once completed, each PPKB will accommodate up to 500 flood victims, providing comfort and efficient management. The facilities will include staff rest areas, dining facilities, surau, and medical zones that are accessible to the disabled and elderly.
He also emphasized that constructing PPKBs could reduce reliance on schools as PPS, thus minimizing disruptions to school sessions, particularly during examination periods.
"We do not want to disrupt schools where possible since more than 50 percent of PPS are in schools. When floods occur, it affects lessons and examinations such as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. This is why we are building PPKBs to reduce the disruption," he added.
Meanwhile, Hussain mentioned that NADMA, in collaboration with relevant agencies including State and District Disaster Management Committees, is on full alert to tackle any potential flooding.
In a related development, the Terengganu Prime Minister's Department (JPM) Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) announced that the MADANI government has allocated a total of RM26.5 million for disaster management in Terengganu, particularly in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon each year. This includes basic infrastructure repair works, covering 317 small-scale projects valued at RM200,000 and below across Terengganu.