KOTA TINGGI: The Irrigation and Drainage Department has identified 4,619 flood hotspots nationwide as part of preparations for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) this year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said continuous flood monitoring would be carried out by the department through the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) with the support of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), and the state governments.
He said this included placing 543 flood warning sirens and 737 mobile pumps nationwide, while also suggesting that an allocation be made to purchase more mobile pumps.
He added that the Irrigation and Drainage Department would also monitor dams that were more than 50 years old, especially those with large and high water volumes, and identify necessary intervention measures.
"Flood mitigation projects across the country must also be closely monitored to prevent any delays in reducing the impact of floods," he said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 3).
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid chaired the second Central Disaster Management Committee Meeting for 2024, which was also attended by the state secretaries as the chairmen of their respective state Disaster Management Committees as well as technical and response agencies, here.
As the chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, Ahmad Zahid said the Social Welfare Department had identified 8,481 temporary evacuation centres capable of accommodating 2.15 million flood victims, while basic amenities would also be given due attention.
He said that unlimited food assistance would also be provided to those affected by the MTL and other disasters throughout the year, while also urging state governments to immediately distribute funds provided through Nadma to districts, especially those at high risk, to prepare for flooding.
Ahmad Zahid also said that MetMalaysia had informed that the MTL was expected to begin in early November and last until March 2025, with wetter weather expected on the East of the Peninsular, as well as Sabah and Sarawak from November to December this year.
Meanwhile, from January to February 2025, he said wetter conditions were expected in Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah, with the La Niña phenomenon predicted to start at the end of 2024 and continue until mid-2025.
"The risk of major flooding will increase if heavy monsoon rains coincide with high tides and monsoon surges.
"It is expected that there will be five to seven monsoon surges, bringing episodes of heavy and continuous rainfall, particularly in the East Coast of the Peninsular, southern and western Sarawak, as well as northern and eastern Sabah,” he said, adding that rainfall was expected to decrease in the north of the Peninsular beginning in January 2025, and in the eastern parts of the Peninsular from February onwards, followed by hot and dry weather until May.
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid also said that Nadma Directive No. 1 would serve as the main guideline for disaster management to reduce the risks and impacts of disasters in the country.
He said the directive underscored a more comprehensive and inclusive risk management strategy.
"I would also like to emphasise that preparations for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon season are not just about current readiness but also involve continuous measures to monitor flood-prone hotspots, ensure there are adequate temporary evacuation centres, and coordinate assistance for all those affected by disasters," he said in a Facebook post, commenting on the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP) meeting, which he chaired in Kota Tinggi, Johor, on Thursday.
He added that all Disaster Management Committees at the state and district levels had been instructed to conduct integrated simulations and drills to ensure optimal preparedness of residents and local authorities.
"Early coordination between government agencies, district councils, voluntary organisations, and local communities is crucial to ensure swift action can be taken in the event of a disaster. The public is also reminded to stay updated through the official disaster portal at www.portalbencana.nadma.gov.my.
"Cooperation from all parties is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the people," he said.- Bernama
