4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, NZ to strengthen disaster management ties, boost regional preparedness
WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand have the potential to enhance bilateral cooperation in disaster management through a more holistic approach, following Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's visit to New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), also known as the Beehive Bunker, today.
The visit, part of the final day of his five-day official working trip to the country, is expected to open new avenues to reinforce emergency and disaster management collaboration between the two nations.
Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), said the visit was more than symbolic and carried a mission to expand strategic cooperation.
This includes sharing information, disaster safety education and training, rescue simulations, and logistical coordination for disaster victims.
"After the visit to NEMA, I held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay.
"I shared my experience at the Beehive Bunker and welcomed the effort to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on disaster management between Malaysia and New Zealand ahead of the Asean-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in October," he told reporters.
Zahid also expressed Malaysia's readiness to work hand-in-hand with New Zealand in strengthening regional disaster preparedness.
During the meeting, McClay also expressed interest in Malaysia's halal industry, aiming to become a strategic partner not only in certification but also as a gateway to the Asean market of over 600 million people.
Zahid said New Zealand was also open to importing more Malaysian agricultural products, particularly tropical fruits like pineapples.
In return, McClay expressed his country's commitment to opening more investment opportunities for Malaysian companies in New Zealand's construction sector.
"Overall, the meeting reached a strategic consensus to expand bilateral trade relations, including New Zealand's active involvement in platforms such as the Asean-GCC-China Summit and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific economic integration.
"God willing, with mutual commitment, Malaysia-New Zealand ties will not only remain strong but continue to grow as a regional strategic cooperation model that brings tangible benefits to the people of both countries," he said.
