KUCHING: The Federal government is considering adopting Sarawak’s natural disaster management plans as a national template, especially on how to tackle floods.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a memorandum over the adoption of the template used by the Sarawak Natural Disaster Management Committee would be submitted to the Cabinet soon.
The memorandum, said Zahid, will be prepared by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.
"I applaud the template used by Sarawak to manage natural disasters, especially during floods, which is alien to other states.
"This includes the construction barrage (flood barriers), which have helped reduce the impact of floods during wet spells.
"The government is also considering constructing barrages in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu especially in Kemaman as a long term solution to flood management," said Zahid after attending a closed-door meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Petra Jaya today.
Present were Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, his deputy Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and State Welfare, Women and Community Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.
Also in attendance were Shahidan and Agricultire and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, also praised Sarawak for its community engagement programmes with the people in the state during floods.
"The usage of telephone radio amateurs among the people have helped rescuers act and provide speedy assistance."
Zahid also announced that the Sarawak Natural Disaster Management Committee, which is headed by Jabu, has received a "Gold Star" award for its outstanding achievement.
"The award will be presented to the committee at a special event soon.”
Reporting by ADIB POVERA, GOH PEI PEI and ESTHER LANDAU.