Latest news with #NationalDisasterManagementCommittee
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Govt ramps up heatwave response
SHAH ALAM: The government has intensified emergency measures to address extreme heat and the prolonged dry weather, activating over 3,300 tube wells nationwide and conducting cloud seeding over drought-hit areas. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department had been instructed to clean and operate the tube wells, especially in high-risk, fire-prone zones, as the Southwest Monsoon persists with lower rainfall and soaring temperatures. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been readied for operations," Zahid said after overseeing a cloud-seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base yesterday. "I've directed the fire department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention operations, particularly in areas prone to forest and peat fires when temperatures rise." Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said fast operational response was being coordinated through the fire department and district-level disaster management committees. The monsoon season is expected to last until mid-October and authorities remain on high alert. Zahid said the government had successfully carried out a cloud-seeding mission over the critically low Bukit Merah Dam in Gunung Semanggol, Perak, where heavy rainfall was reported just 45 minutes after the operation. "The dam's water level had fallen to a critical 12.21 per cent, or 19.8 feet (6 metres), by July 31 due to prolonged dry conditions." He added that the dam was important for padi irrigation, domestic supply, fisheries and flood mitigation. He said the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had identified suitable cloud formations inland from the Strait of Malacca, prompting the deployment of a Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. The aircraft released 6,000 litres of sodium chloride solution into the clouds, resulting in the desired rainfall. "This is a scientifically guided operation. With God's will, it brought the outcome we hoped for. We expect it will help ease pressure on local agriculture and water supply." Zahid also voiced concern over rising temperatures nationwide, highlighting that several areas, including Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Selama in Perak, Temerloh in Pahang, Limbang in Sarawak, and Tenom and Pitas in Sabah had recorded extreme heat for three consecutive days. MetMalaysia and the Drainage and Irrigation Department were monitoring other reservoir zones and potential hotspots for further intervention, he said. "Our focus is on areas critical for domestic, agricultural and industrial water needs. We will not wait for formal requests. Action will be taken when ground monitoring shows water levels have dropped below 30 per cent." Zahid said the Health Ministry would issue public advisories to limit heat exposure, especially for schoolchildren.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Over 3,300 tube wells activated in fire-prone areas amid dry season
SHAH ALAM: The government has activated more than 3,300 tube wells in fire-prone areas as a precautionary measure amid extreme heat and prolonged dry weather during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department has been instructed to clean and operate the wells where necessary, particularly in high-risk zones. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been made operational. "I've directed the Fire and Rescue Department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention efforts, especially in areas prone to forest and peat fires during periods of high temperatures," he said at a press conference after attending a cloud seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base. Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said swift operational responses have been coordinated through the department and local-level disaster management committees. The Southwest Monsoon, which has brought lower rainfall and higher temperatures, is expected to continue until mid-October, with authorities remaining on alert throughout the period. "Based on advice from Nadma and MetMalaysia, we are ensuring preparedness, particularly in areas experiencing extreme heat," Zahid said. He added that the Health Ministry will issue public health advisories to help minimise exposure to the heatwave. "Clear guidance should be provided to the public, especially regarding limiting outdoor activities. "This is particularly important for schoolchildren," he said, adding that coordination has been made with district education offices to reschedule outdoor school activities.
Malay Mail
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
DPM Zahid hails SMART for 30 years of service at disaster frontlines
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) for its outstanding service over the past 30 years, noting its role in enhancing Malaysia's reputation on the global stage. The deputy prime minister said SMART has contributed to the safety of people in Malaysia and overseas through its participation in search and rescue operations as well as humanitarian missions. 'From post-earthquake rescue missions in Türkiye and Nepal, to humanitarian operations during the tsunami tragedy in Aceh, and involvement in major flood relief work in Selangor, Pahang and Kelantan — SMART has always stood at the nation's frontlines in the most critical moments,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said this in a Facebook post in conjunction with SMART's 30th anniversary celebration today. He said SMART's achievements are even more commendable as it became the first team in Southeast Asia to attain the 'Heavy' classification for urban search and rescue (USAR) operations from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), thereby strengthening Malaysia's standing in the international rescue network. He also noted that SMART has earned the trust of Russia to serve as a mentor to its search and rescue team, RUS-03, in preparation for INSARAG evaluation. 'I am impressed by the team's dedication, discipline and continuous adaptation of advanced technology. SMART is now more than just an elite team; it is an institution that is recognised and respected. 'May the SMART team continue to progress, remain ever ready to face future challenges and uphold its steadfast presence at the frontlines of any disaster. Thank you, and congratulations on three decades of excellence for the people and the nation,' he said. — Bernama
Daily Express
01-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Pan Borneo projects, energy transition prioritised
Published on: Friday, August 01, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 01, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, welcomed the government's long-term planning to strengthen disaster management and mitigation measures, particularly for natural disasters such as floods. Kuala Lumpur: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday marks a major boost for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda and national disaster management, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the emphasis on aligning the minimum wage beyond existing prerequisites and the implementation of a premium wage scheme would add value to the education ecosystem and job marketability in the country. 'In addition, I am very grateful that the Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda, as outlined in PuTERA35 (Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035), has been incorporated into the 13MP, with 132 initiatives from the Bumiputera Economic Congress resolutions also included. 'Hopefully, this will benefit all levels of society in rural, suburban and urban areas, as well as our friends in Sabah and Sarawak,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, welcomed the government's long-term planning to strengthen disaster management and mitigation measures, particularly for natural disasters such as floods. He said the tabling of the 13MP had come at a time when the nation was facing economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions that were severely challenging competitiveness and public well-being. He added that the roadmap for 2026-2030 also focused on economic empowerment through value creation driven by digitalisation and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), as well as an integrated approach towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the implementation of the 13MP must be carefully structured, taking into account a holistic approach that included all layers of society, development sectors, environmental sustainability, and a strong emphasis on good governance. He said this was vital to ensure Malaysia's competitiveness continued to be strengthened and that the country remained prominent on the global stage. 'If we look at what was presented earlier, there are nine main focus areas under the three pillars of the Madani Economy. The first is 'raising the ceiling,' which refers to transitioning towards an AI-based nation, high-growth, high-value industries, and strategic sectors that emphasise regional and rural development with global impact,' he said. 'The second pillar is strengthening governance and institutions by ensuring a public service that is transparent, swift and decisive. The third is 'raising the floor,' which focuses on addressing the cost of living, centring on Madani individuals as the social foundation, and improving the quality of life for the people,' he said. Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), said his ministry would focus on energy security, environmental sustainability and affordability of energy and water costs. He said the government had announced a new, more transparent and fair energy market approach, including the introduction of new tariffs and the 'time of use' concept to promote more prudent energy consumption. He added that the government would also conduct an in-depth study into the potential of nuclear technology as an energy source to complement existing sources such as solar, while continuing efforts to develop new sustainable energy sources. Fadillah said focus would also be given to Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects in Johor, Perak, Pahang, Sarawak and Sabah to reduce flood risk and ensure water security. As for Sabah and Sarawak, he said the government would continue implementing the Pan Borneo and Trans Borneo highway projects to improve infrastructure connectivity and basic facilities in both states. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
30-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Flood alert for Vientiane as Mekong nears danger mark
The Mekong River in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, rises after days of heavy rain. - VT VIENTIANE: The Mekong River in Vientiane is expected to reach flood level on July 30, following days of heavy rain driven by a strong low-pressure system and the southwest monsoon, according to the Mekong River Commission. Water levels at the Km4 hydrological station in Sisattanak district, along with the Nong Khai and Pakse stations, reached alarm levels on July 29 and are forecast to continue rising. From July 30 to Aug 3, the river is likely to reach the flood level in Vientiane and in Nong Khai, which is a few kilometres downstream in Thailand. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said persistent rainfall, thunderstorms and occasional strong winds will persist across the country. River levels at other stations in Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Khong Chiam, Pakse and Stung Treng are also projected to approach or exceed alarm levels in the coming days. According to the department's latest report, several rivers have already risen past or near warning thresholds. In Bolikhamxay province, the Kading River was measured at 13.55 metres in Paksan district, just above the warning level of 13.5m. In Savannakhet province, the Xechamphon River measured 7.77m in Champhon district, close to the flood level of 8m. In Salavan, the Xedon River rose to 10.76m in Khongxedon district, above the 10m warning level, while in Champasak province, the Mekong was measured at 10.84 metres in Pakse, nearing the flood warning threshold of 11m. Authorities are advising people living near rivers and in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, as continuous rainfall could lead to more flash floods or prolonged inundation over the next one to two days. The warning comes as Laos is still reeling from damage caused by Storm Wipha, which brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to northern and central provinces last week. The National Disaster Management Committee and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare reported that four people died, six others were injured, and four people remain missing as a result of the storm. The storm passed through 34 districts and 262 villages, affecting nearly 15,000 households. A total of 2,249 houses were impacted, including 183 that were completely destroyed. Floodwaters also damaged 2,000 hectares of farmland, power lines, schools, roads, irrigation systems, health centres and vehicles. In Khammuan province, people affected by flooding in Khounkham district are in urgent need of rice, drinking water, dried food and medicine. Local disaster response teams are assisting with evacuations and providing boats to move residents and their belongings to safer areas. - Vientiane Times/ANN
