PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 — All Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in disaster management especially flood relief will be updated based on the current situation to ensure rehabilitation efforts run smoothly, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said a relook at the SOPs was essential to ensure post-flood works including rebuilding settlements could be identified and implemented quickly.
“The management of disasters not only involves the reaction phase but also the scope of a more comprehensive disaster management.
“It encompasses the prevention and mitigation phases, preparedness and recovery and rehabilitation,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the Central Disaster Management and Aid Committee here today.
It was the first time he chaired the committee’s meeting after being appointed Deputy Prime Minister on July 28.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said during the two-hour meeting, the committee decided that early steps to face floods could be implemented quickly, including deepening estuaries and widening rivers.
He said the committee wanted the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) to be more proactive in tackling floods.
“The river estuaries to be deepened have been identified. We want JPS to take proactive measures and prompt action,” he said.
He said a follow up meeting would be held in 60 days from today to ensure the decisions made today could be implemented.
Ahmad Zahid wanted continuous effort and commitment by the members of the committee to boost cooperation between the agencies and the efficiency of disaster management would be implemented in line with the approach of the National Blue Ocean Strategy.
He said the Cabinet had agreed to retain the national disaster management mechanism by using the command and control principle under directive 20 of the National Security Council.
“With this, the Royal Malaysia Police is still the Disaster Operations Commander at the scene while the Fire and Rescue Department stays the Disaster Operations Deputy Commander,” he said. — Bernama
