NORTHEAST MONSOON: ALL AGENCIES HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN ADVANCE - NADMA

KOTA BHARU, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has stressed that all disaster response agencies nationwide have long been fully prepared to face the first and subsequent waves of the Northeast Monsoon.

NADMA director-general Meor Ismail Meor Akim said thorough preparations involving all agencies were carried out in advance, while the preparedness launch on Oct 30 was merely a symbolic step to strengthen inter-agency coordination.

“Our preparations began early, all agencies were already on standby. The launch on Oct 30 was only symbolic to enhance coordination, not because agencies were unprepared,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims at the relief centre at SK Sabak today.

He said NADMA and the rescue agencies had an estimated strength of 100,000 personnel assigned to assist flood victims, in addition to various logistical assets for flood operations.

“We have complete assets including lorries, boats, helicopters and supply storage warehouses that can be mobilised according to needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meor Ismail said 38 relief centres had been opened in Kelantan and he was satisfied that management at all the centres was orderly and in line with the established operating standards.

“Overall, control and management at the centres are good, food is sufficient, accommodation is comfortable and I do not see any major issues. All agencies are showing very good cooperation in managing the victims,” he said.

Meor Ismail said the inspection also found that several areas near the centres which previously recorded floodwaters as high as one foot had recovered.

“Yesterday this area had almost one foot of water, but today it has fully receded. The weather is also good and we hope conditions continue to improve,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meor Ismail said the situation in other states also affected by the monsoon remained under control for now.

“Kelantan recorded a relatively high number of victims compared to six other states, namely Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu,” he said.

Meor Ismail also stressed the importance for all victims who moved to the relief centres to register themselves, so that assistance could be channelled swiftly.

“All victims must register so that aid can be easily delivered. The RM1,000 disaster aid is not given in cash at the centres but will be credited directly into their bank accounts, while those without accounts may make claims at BSN (Bank Simpanan Nasional) counters,” he said.

Touching on the circulation of old flood videos on social media, Meor Ismail advised the public not to be influenced and to refer only to official information.

“Some have uploaded old flood videos and this can create panic. I urge the public to refer to official channels and not be influenced by videos uploaded by irresponsible parties,” he said.

-- BERNAMA