KUCHING: Agencies involved in disaster management have been urged to use the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics systems, to enhance their ability to forecast and respond earlier to potential disasters.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said agencies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) should explore the use of new technologies to strengthen early warning systems and disaster management in the state.
“I call on agencies such as DID, the Meteorological Department, JPBNS and UKPS to leverage technology.
“We need to use the latest technology so that we can predict earlier the areas that have the potential to be hit by floods,” he said in his speech at a programme held here on Monday (Mar 9).
Uggah, who is also SDMC chairman, said crisis management experiences in other countries have shown that technology can help authorities predict disaster events several days in advance, thus providing sufficient time to evacuate residents and prepare the necessary logistics.
“If we have better forecasting technology, perhaps two or three days earlier we can already anticipate the high-risk areas and make the necessary preparations,” he said.
He added that past flood experiences in Selangau highlighted logistical challenges when assets had to be mobilised from Kuching, which took a considerable amount of time.
Uggah said such an approach is important given Sarawak’s vast geographical size, which requires careful planning to ensure assets and assistance can be deployed more efficiently during disasters.
