KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The government has outlined two key strategies to strengthen disaster management by enhancing the efficiency of governance, planning, and coordination of disaster mitigation efforts and improving the preparedness of security agencies in disaster response.
According to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) document released by the Economy Ministry today, four specific targets have been identified to improve disaster management, including the development of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies at the state level.
The government also aims to introduce six new sets of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disaster operations, revise seven existing SOPs, and upgrade the Multi-Hazard Early Warning System from covering six to ten types of disasters.
Strengthening governance will improve the level of preparedness and response time, which will in turn increase public and business community confidence that their lives and property are protected.
Under the first strategy, disaster risk management will be implemented through policy and governance enhancement, utilisation of advanced technologies, and extension of the DRR Policy to state governments and local authorities as a reference for managing disaster risks.
The governance of the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund, including its guidelines, will be improved to expedite post-disaster response processes.
“Nature-based solutions will be adopted to reduce the impact of disasters. Geological and underground utility mapping efforts will be intensified, and the Multi-Hazard Early Warning System will be enhanced to strengthen national preparedness for disasters,” stated the document.
Through the second strategy, the entire ecosystem, including standard operating procedures, responder preparedness, asset modernisation, and support programmes, will be streamlined to improve coordination among all relevant agencies.
Joint exercises involving multiple agencies will also be intensified to ensure a swift and integrated response. Asset modernisation will continue to enhance operational capabilities and effectiveness, while selected public infrastructure designs will be adapted as multi-purpose disaster shelters.
The document noted that during the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), various efforts to increase resilience to climate change and disasters enabled communities to better prepare for unexpected situations.
“The meteorological warning system was upgraded to provide earlier weather alerts to stakeholders. A total of 577,107 heads of households received Compassionate Aid (BWI) amounting to RM578.4 million due to disasters such as floods, landslides, and headwater surges from 2021 to 2024,” it stated.
— Bernama
