EIGHT DISASTER BASIC NECESSITIES DEPOTS THROUGHOUT M'SIA - JKM

PARIT BUNTAR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- There are eight depots of disaster basic necessities in several states that act as a a supply storage for areas that might be cut off when disaster strikes.

Social Welfare Department (JKM) director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the depots are located in Bedong, Kedah; Muar, Johor; Sungai Buloh, Selangor; Marang, Terengganu; Kemumin Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan; Kuantan, Pahang; Kota Samarahan, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, adding that the department has also 11 state stores and 119 district stores, 65 mini depots and 562 forward bases in the country

"The department has 5,789 officers and personnel stationed at relief centres in the country, in addition to 5,744 department volunteers stationed there.

"Currently many states have opened relief centres to house flood evacuees and I have contacted every state department director to secure the latest information and till now, the situation at all centres are under control,” he told reporters after the close of Pantuk Tirai  @ MADANI Adopted Village programme at  Kampung Angkat MADANI at Dewan PDT Taman Sri Tenggara here today.

He also informed that the department received 50,000 units of food in retort packs prepared by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for distribution to flood evacuees at relief centres.

"In the 24-hour period after centres are opened, we will provide the food in retort packs first before we activate communal activities to prepare food for evacuees,” he added.

-- BERNAMA