Kuala lumpur: The government has initiated early measures to ensure all relevant agencies are fully prepared to face the upcoming Northeast Monsoon, even though initial forecasts suggest its impact will be milder this year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He emphasized that preparedness efforts must involve comprehensive coordination among all agencies to protect lives, property, and important documents in the event of any disaster.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that across ASEAN, there are approximately 6,000 major and minor disaster events. As the Northeast Monsoon begins to affect the northern part of the region, with winds expected to move towards Peninsular Malaysia and the west coasts of Sarawak and Sabah, preparedness efforts must be thoroughly coordinated. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, made these remarks to reporters after officiating the SME Venture @ ASEAN 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
He further mentioned his personal inspection of readiness for the upcoming monsoon season in Temerloh, Pahang, last Monday, to ensure all relevant agencies are fully prepared. Additionally, Ahmad Zahid stated that the government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), has implemented an early warning system to facilitate the timely evacuation of residents before water levels rise.
For long-term solutions, the government has allocated RM2.2 billion for the next year to address flood-related issues nationwide, including RM460 million for NADMA to bolster disaster management efforts. Ahmad Zahid stressed that the effectiveness of implementation is the government's priority, along with the cooperation and understanding of the community, as disasters transcend political boundaries and require unified responses.
He also urged residents in high-risk or red zone areas to fully cooperate with NADMA and state and district disaster management committees in mobilizing rescue and relief operations in affected areas.