Total of nine locations picked for permanent disaster relief centres, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Nine locations nationwide are identified for the setting up of permanent disaster relief centres, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic).

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) said the locations were determined by the respective state disaster management committees.

Armizan said RM45mil had been allocated by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for the pilot project, adding that the Public Works Department would implement it.

“We will not wait until next year to begin. The Public Works Department is already preparing the designs and specifications for the centres,” he said in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 30).

This was in response to a supplementary question by Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) on details of the permanent disaster relief centres previously announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

During Prime Minister Question Time on Nov 28, Anwar said permanent disaster relief centres would be established nationwide immediately as current temporary flood shelters were not practical anymore.

On the current flood situation, Armizan said 123 families comprising 426 victims were placed at five temporary relief centres in four districts across Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang as of 6am on Nov 30.

Cumulatively, he said some 7,684 victims have been housed at temporary relief centres since the start of the northeast monsoon on Nov 11 this year.

He said this comprised 1,976 families at 49 relief centres across 12 districts in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu.

Armizan said the Nadma had made earlier preparations with related agencies such as the Welfare Department to ensure their welfare.

Separately, Armizan said a disaster risk reduction policy is in the works alongside mulling a new Act to ensure better disaster preparedness.

“Once the Cabinet has approved it in principle, we will carry out various engagements. We hope for fellow MPs' support in ensuring the necessary preparations and mechanisms for the future,” he said.

This is in tandem with reviewing the National Security Council’s directive No. 19 and directive No. 20, Armizan said.