BAGAN DATUK: As the nation braces for the imminent arrival of the North East Monsoon, more than 67 districts have been identified as flood-prone areas, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee.
The insights into these vulnerable areas were derived from data and assessments provided by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID).
With the North East Monsoon expected to occur in the middle of this month, Zahid underlined the necessity for coordinated efforts among various agencies to ensure public safety.
He said the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), along with other relevant authorities, had taken proactive steps to address this impending challenge.
"Nadma has collaborated with the Education Ministry, the state education departments and the district education offices to set up permanent evacuation centres in schools that have been used as temporary shelters.
"These centres have been upgraded to include essential facilities, such as toilets and showers, in accordance with the projected number of flood victims based on district-level Disaster Management Committee records," he told reporters after attending the Deepavali celebration at the Umno Bagan Datuk Complex today.
To fortify the nation's infrastructure against the impending monsoon, Zahid said the government rolled out strategic preparation of Bailey bridges in critical areas susceptible to major floods.
"Nadma has ordered seven additional Bailey bridges, and the installation will be done by army engineers in collaboration with the Public Works Department at the state level and the Public Works Ministry at the central level."
Recognising the need for a comprehensive approach, he said the government also sought assistance from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with whom they have established prior coordination.
This multi-pronged strategy is designed to address the challenges posed by the upcoming monsoon, expected to begin in mid-November and conclude in mid-March 2024.
"The signs of monsoon have already started with rain that is above normal," he said.