KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) continuously ensures that all temporary evacuation centres (PPS) remain in a state of readiness and can be opened at any time following the increased risk of floods in several states.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the preparedness includes the strengthened operations of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) since last month, carried out in collaboration with other agencies including the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
“Whenever floods occur, all PPS are ready to be opened at any time.
“We remain alert and action will be taken immediately once we receive flood reports,” she said when met by reporters after officiating at the ‘Kem Kasih Keluarga 2.0’ programme closing ceremony in conjunction with the state-level national family month celebration at Damai Sentral today.
She added KPWKM and JKM also previously conducted disaster simulations as part of efforts to ensure a more efficient response.
“Registration through the JKM Disaster Info account (MyIBJKM) has begun nationwide, including in flood-risk areas. Storage facilities for essential items at PPS have also been organised and updated,” she added.
Meanwhile, commenting on reports of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) students and a lecturer stranded in Hatyai, Thailand, due to food shortages, Nancy said assistance is being channelled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We were informed that they are having difficulty leaving the area. Wisma Putra is assisting them. Malaysians are fortunate because wherever they are, the relevant ministries will step in to help,” she said.
She added that Malaysia’s Malawakil offices abroad serve as the main point of reference for Malaysians requiring emergency assistance.
“Everything has been arranged, unless they fail to report or do not contact the Malawakil office,” she added.
