Latest news with #CentralDisasterManagementCommittee
The Star
08-08-2025
- General
- The Star
Flood relief efforts intensify as Lao communities, authorities unite
VIENTIANE: Lao authorities and local communities are working side by side to deliver urgent aid to thousands affected by widespread flooding and landslides across the country, as relief efforts are underway to distribute emergency supplies and restore damaged infrastructure. The Central Disaster Management Committee has issued a notice calling for public support to aid flood victims in 2025, following severe storms that brought heavy rainfall and widespread damage across Laos. The committee is urging all sectors of society to contribute financial assistance, essential goods and supplies to help affected communities. According to the notice issued on July 30, flooding has impacted 527 villages across 14 provinces, affecting more than 26,000 families. At least 2,709 houses have been damaged, 19 people have died, and four remain missing. The floods have also destroyed over 24,000 hectares of farmland, along with 14 schools, 111 roads, and 30 bridges. Authorities nationwide are now focused on delivering emergency relief, repairing damaged infrastructure to restore daily operations and conducting a full assessment of the disaster's impact. Many Lao youths are stepping up, calling for unity, and encouraging those around them to contribute, believing that even small acts of kindness can make a difference for families in flood-affected areas. Sengphasouk, a resident of the southern Lao province of Savannakhet, is one of them. He has taken the lead in rallying support from friends and his wider network. Motivated by compassion, Sengphasouk has been collecting donations and essential items such as food and clothing to hand over to local authorities for distribution to those in need. He believes that even small help matters. "If my donations can help someone have just one better day, it's worth it," Sengphasouk told Xinhua. "The photos and videos of the flooding hit me deeply. I think we need to support the authorities and relief teams. Local officials are doing a tough and sometimes dangerous job reaching affected areas. Even small donations can make a big difference to someone in need," he said. He expressed strong support for the government's relief efforts and called on others to join in. "If we stand together, we can help our people get through this and return to normal life sooner," he added. Meanwhile, several businesses and organisations have opened donation channels to support disaster victims. Citizens are also actively sharing information online, encouraging others to join the relief effort. "I've seen online that some businesses are setting up donation boxes or launching campaigns to support those affected. I believe even small contributions, when combined, can make a big difference," said Thavone, an office worker in Lao capital Vientiane. Thavone also highlighted the severe challenges in reaching certain areas, where landslides and flooding have cut off access, making boats or even aircraft necessary to deliver aid. "I want to express my deepest respect for all the frontline officials - the rescue teams, soldiers and volunteers risking their lives to reach isolated areas. No matter how small our contribution is, we all need to work together and support the government's relief efforts," he added. Southa, a student in Lao capital Vientiane, stresses that beyond donations, educating flood victims on how to stay safe during floods is essential. She emphasises that such knowledge helps protect lives and strengthens relief efforts. Southa urges relevant sectors to support both aid and awareness campaigns to help communities cope with the current situation and better prepare for future crises. "Victims and even people living near affected areas need accurate and reliable information. It is crucial that they know how to protect themselves from worsening dangers. Floodwaters may result in serious infections," said Southa. In addition, some high-level leaders have personally visited flood-affected areas to assess the situation, deliver essential supplies and financial assistance to impacted villages, and help ease the suffering of local residents. They also instructed relevant authorities to strengthen coordination and continue working together to repair the damage and restore normal life as quickly as possible. - Xinhua
The Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
13MP bold step to grow Malaysia's economy, says Amir Hamzah
KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a bold step forward to grow the nation's economy to ensure opportunities for all Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The Finance Minister II said that the approach taken under 13MP would help achieve the aspirations under Madani economy. "What we want is that what is done though the 13MP reaches and is felt by the rakyat. "This can be seen from what was tabled by the Prime Minister," he told reporters at a press conference in Parliament on Thursday (July 31). He said that the 13MP represented the collective aspirations of the nation, which required bold measures for its realisation. "The approach taken will spur and grow the economy and find ways to increase opportunities in the country to that they are translated into opportunities for our people to ensure better employment in the future," he added. Amir said 13MP was extensive and covered various aspects of the economy, including social and environmental wellbeing of the nation. He said that a more detailed breakdown and explanation of the 13MP would be done in due time. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the tabling of 13MP was at a crucial juncture with regard to the nation's overall wellbeing. "13MP tabled by the Prime Minister comes when the nation is faced with uncertainty in the global economy and disruption to the supply chain, which challenges our competitiveness and welbeing of the rakyat," he said at the joint press conference. He said that the high-growth high-value approach taken under 13MP involving strategic sectors would ensure not only sustainable economic growth for the nation but one that was inclusive and equitable. Ahmad Zahid also said that 13MP would help ensure that those undergoing TVET programmes would not only enjoy minimum wages for but premium wages based on their skills. "This will give added value to our educational ecosystem and marketability of the workforce in the country," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, also said it was significant that RM20bil was allocated to flood mitigation projects and AI-based early warning systems to better prepare the nation's when faced with such natural disasters. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that the setting up of a Halal Commission and halal parks in Melaka, Perak and Kelantan would help achieve the RM80bil halal export target under 13MP. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that 13MP took into account the energy and water needed for the development of the nation while ensuring the welbeing of the rakyat. "The is why 13MP is taking a new approach our energy needs through more innovative mechanisms," he said. This includes managing the nation's energy needs including its efficient usage by the rakyat, he added. He said this included seeking better renewable energy sources, which are more environmentally friendly. "Currently, the country is relying on solar and other sources for energy and we need to find a more clean and feasible energy source. "That is why nuclear energy is an energy source which we are considering," he added. On Sabah and Sarawak, Fadillah said 13MP also ensured then continued development of the Pan Borneo highway including other infrastructure projects.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
On the path to boosting disaster cooperation
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is seeking to expand cooperation with New Zealand in disaster management, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this comes as the national disaster management agencies of both countries are in talks to ink an agreement to strengthen collaboration in several areas. 'Malaysia and New Zealand have long established cooperation in various fields but disaster management still has ample room to be strengthened bilaterally,' he told reporters here yesterday. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma), said talks with New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) are at its final stage for the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). He noted that there is vast potential for both nations to strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster management in a more holistic manner. 'I am confident this effort will become a milestone in fostering more organised, structured and effective cooperation between our two countries. 'Such efforts are crucial to ensure better safety of our people while developing stronger regional preparedness.' Ahmad Zahid added that the proposed collaboration will see strategic cooperation involving information sharing, disaster safety education and training. This includes rescue simulations and logistics management of disaster victims. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid visited the 'Beehive Bunker' located within New Zealand's Parliament building. The bunker serves as New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre, which is designed to be self-sufficient in the event of a disaster. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid met up with the Malaysian community at a dinner gathering attended by some 250 Malaysians. He also announced a special allocation of RM250,000 to the Malaysian High Commission in New Zealand. He said the allocation would enable Malaysians in New Zealand to celebrate National Day on Aug 31 in a grander and lively manner this year. The Deputy Prime Minister said he noticed that Malaysians living abroad displayed a strong sense of unity and love for the country whenever he went abroad. He said events held at Rumah Malaysia in Wellington are usually sponsored by Malaysian companies in New Zealand. Ahmad Zahid will conclude his five-day working visit to New Zealand today.
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- 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.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia and New Zealand boost disaster management cooperation
WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand are set to enhance their disaster management collaboration following Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's visit to the National Crisis Management Centre, also known as the Beehive Bunker. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee, emphasised that the visit was more than symbolic. It aimed to expand strategic cooperation in areas such as information sharing, education, and disaster safety training, including rescue simulations and logistics management for victims. 'Malaysia and New Zealand have long enjoyed cooperation in various fields, but disaster management remains an area with great potential to be enhanced bilaterally,' he told reporters. Progress is underway in negotiations between Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that this agreement would strengthen regional preparedness and public safety. 'I am confident this effort will serve as a landmark for more coordinated, structured and effective cooperation between the two countries, for the safety of the people and stronger regional preparedness,' he said. The Deputy Prime Minister's delegation included senior Malaysian officials. His five-day working visit concludes on Friday (July 18) with his return to Kuala Lumpur. - Bernama
