Kuala Lumpur: A more systematic and strategic approach should be immediately implemented by the government to address the effects of natural disasters, especially the floods that occur every year, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The King spoke on the need for the government to emphasise the aspect of physical security through disaster risk management for the survival of the people.
“The time has come to ensure the effectiveness of the disaster management mechanism through efficient work coordination,” he said in his Royal Address during the opening of the second session of the 15th Parliament here yesterday.
He said the landslide in Batang Kali, Selangor, which occurred on Dec 16 last year, should serve as a lesson on preventing similar incidents in the future.
A total of 31 people were killed in that landslide.
The King also touched on security and public order, saying that Malaysia would need to make the necessary preparations, including maintenance and procurement of new equipment and assets, to deal with security challenges and threats.
His Majesty said that old approaches that do not benefit or that weaken the country’s defence need to be stopped immediately.
On illegal immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, he said that these matters should be dealt with firmly by the government.
“Apart from that, the increasing trend of cybercrime is also becoming more worrying. For that, law enforcement requires efficient and effective governance and coordination.
“Continuous and integrated efforts must be intensified to ensure that the country is protected from any form of threat so that Malaysia remains peaceful, prosperous and sovereign.”
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said Malaysia needed to continue to strengthen cooperation and defence diplomacy with other countries.
Yesterday, the Dewan Rakyat observed a moment of silence for the victims and people of Turkiye and Syria following last Monday’s massive earthquake.
The King expressed his condolences to the president and the people of Turkiye and Syria where countless people had lost their lives.
“Indeed, Malaysia is deeply saddened by the tragedy,” he said.
He requested members of the House to stand and observe a moment of silence, while Muslims MPs recited the Al-Fatihah.
