Zahid: Disaster preparedness key to reducing property losses

IPOH, Oct 11 — Preparedness in disaster management helps reduce property losses, including damage to public assets and infrastructure, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said that losses due to disasters in the country last year reached RM636.9 million, including RM380.2 million involving public assets and infrastructure.

“This figure was lower than the RM933.4 million in 2024. That is why preparedness must protect two important values, namely the value of life and economic value. Yes, we want to save lives, while also protecting homes, taking care of people’s livelihoods and preserving the fruits of the people’s hard work.

“This is where the early warning system comes in. These are awareness programmes that we must collectively translate into action. We want to raise public awareness of the importance of National Preparedness Month (BKN) in building the capacity to address potential risks before disaster strikes,” said Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee.

He said this when officiating at the launch of BKN 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre here today.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Seri Meor Ismail Meor Akim.

Ahmad Zahid said rescue teams would be mobilised whenever a disaster occurred, while the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) provided early warning systems to identify hotspots expected to experience floods and other disaster risks.

“The MetMalaysia director-general will input data into the system and notify Nadma, and me specifically, so that we can inform potential victims to evacuate and be prepared at least three days before a disaster strikes.

“However, the ability to respond efficiently after a disaster must be accompanied by a strong commitment to reducing risks before they occur. Our success is also be measured by how effectively we protect the public and reduce the risks faced by those who may be affected,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said disaster risk reduction should begin at the land-use planning and urban development stages, including identifying areas at risk of landslides and taking early action.

In addition, he said river management and the monitoring of high-risk areas are crucial for mitigating the impact of disasters.

He said early warning must be timely, easily understood and followed by actions to save lives during disasters, including giving families sufficient time to evacuate before water levels rise and helping the elderly and children reach safety, with effective communication being a key factor.

Ahmad Zahid also urged every state to translate the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 into action plans tailored to local risks, with clearly defined agency responsibilities and implementation targets to ensure comprehensive protection for the people.

“We have managed to develop the Cell Broadcast System through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which is now in its final stage. The system does not merely monitor TikTok and other online posts; it also allows alerts to be sent directly to mobile phones in at-risk areas without interfering with or using personal data,” he added.

He said field operations were also supported by volunteers, with nearly 30,000 volunteers from 45 agencies across 14 states participating in more than 1,000 disaster relief missions over the past 10 months.

“We adhere to the two Cs: communication and coordination, with the two Cs meaning information must be conveyed clearly and on time.

“Actions must also be coordinated so that the people know what needs to be done, the committee knows how to provide assistance and agencies can act without delay.. this is the shift I want to see resulting from this National Preparedness Month,” he added. — Bernama