NADMA doesn't have to wait for the state to act OPA

KUCHING, Sept. 16: National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) does not have to wait for state government requests to implement Cloud Offering Operation (OPA), instead it can take proactive action based on professional advisory services regarding wind and cloud conditions.

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the implementation of OPA will be coordinated with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM).

"We are coordinating with METMalaysia and TUDM. METMalaysia will advise when rain-bearing clouds are in a particular location to be taken to areas that need increased water supply in the wetlands.

"We will coordinate without requests from the state government. This means that we are taking proactive steps to conduct cloud clearance based on the advisory services as well as services provided by TUDM", he said at a press conference after the Meeting of High Level Committee (HLC) Disaster Management Centre with Sarawak State Government, here today.

Zahid said that NADMA had previously implemented OPA in Sarawak at least three times at the request of the state government.

He thinks that the proactive approach is important because there are some water reserves (reservoir) which suffered a decrease in levels causing the water supply to be in critical condition.

"For other countries, we do it on demand and truth. We have done some things, but long-term coordination will continue", he said.

He, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that OPA related issues were discussed at a recent meeting of the Minister of Natural Resources and Natural Sustainability (NRES) in Bali, but there has been no major decision from the country.

He said the matter will also be brought up during his working visit to Jakarta with the Indonesian Government.