KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education (MoE) is placing a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of its staff and students by gearing up for the anticipated Northeast Monsoon (MTL) floods. The ministry has initiated early preparations to mitigate the impact of potential disasters on educational institutions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Ruji Ubi, the secretary-general of the MoE, stated that comprehensive measures have been implemented to ensure that students and staff are well-informed about the implications of the monsoon, thereby reducing the risk of casualties and property damage. He highlighted the importance of equipping the education community with necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to respond swiftly in the event of a disaster.
Ruji emphasized the critical role of community awareness and involvement in effective disaster risk management. He stated that if a disaster occurs on school premises, it is imperative for all members, including teachers, students, and support staff,
to possess the skills needed to manage the situation and minimize the risk of accidents. These remarks were made during the launch of the MoE’s MTL preparedness initiative at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Padang Garuda.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030, introduced on October 3, serves as a strategic guide for sustainable disaster risk management within educational settings. Ruji explained that Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives are designed to ensure that all individuals in educational institutions, especially students, are prepared to handle disasters effectively. This includes comprehensive training on protective measures and disaster response.
In preparation for the potential conversion of educational institutions into relief centers (PPS), Ruji noted that 258 institutions have been designated for such use during MTL 2023/2024. He urged school staff and students to take an active role in supporting and assisting victims at these centers and to work collaboratively with agencies
involved in disaster management.
Sharifuddin Ali Hussin, the Education Deputy Director-General (Professionalism Development Sector), highlighted that the MoE’s preparation for MTL is an annual event. It engages 500 participants, including students, teachers, and disaster management agencies, to demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its community. The ministry has also taken proactive steps by holding Disaster Management Committee meetings with relevant agencies to ensure coordinated efforts in disaster preparedness.
A notification letter outlining flood disaster preparedness and management guidelines was sent to all state education departments and institutions on October 22. Additionally, the KPM MTL Flood Disaster Task Force Committee has been established, complemented by counselling services provided by education counsellors, the Smart Support Team (SST), and the Academic Support Team (AST).
