SEGAMAT, Sept 3 — The government will launch a series of community-based disaster simulation exercises nationwide starting this October to strengthen disaster preparedness, following a series of earthquakes that recently struck the district.
National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Minerals and Geosciences Department (JMG), Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Public Works Department (JKR), Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), district and state Disaster Management Committees.
“The government is taking follow-up actions very seriously in response to the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that occurred in the Segamat district.
“In line with the Sendai Framework, we will conduct tabletop exercises and full-scale simulations under the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programme, involving all levels of society,” he said when met by reporters after the Earthquake Disaster Risk Management Programme at the Segamat Multipurpose Hall today.
Halim added that the exercises will be carried out based on the suitability of each location — whether at the district, parliamentary constituency, or village level — and will involve local communities, including schools, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The programme was implemented in Sabah last year and proved to be highly effective. Just moments after the training session, a real incident occurred in Sabah, and the communities involved demonstrated that they were well-prepared,” he said.
Meanwhile, he announced that October will be designated National Preparedness Month. Previously focused on floods, it will now be expanded to include earthquake and landslide scenarios.
He said the simulations will cover various disaster scenarios to ensure all parties know exactly what to do in an emergency.
The training will be carried out continuously, not only in Johor but across the country, to ensure the optimal level of preparedness, Halim added.
