Segamat: The government is set to launch a series of community-based disaster simulation exercises across the country starting in October, aiming to bolster disaster preparedness in the wake of recent earthquakes that have affected the district.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah revealed that the initiative will be carried out in collaboration with various departments, including the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Public Works Department (JKR), and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), along with disaster management committees at the state and district levels.
Datuk Abdul Halim emphasized the government’s serious commitment to follow-up actions in response to the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks experienced in the Segamat district. He highlighted that, in accordance with the Sendai Framework, the government will conduct tabletop exercises (TTX) and full-scale simulations under the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) program, engaging all societal levels.
The exercises will be tailored to the specific needs of each location, whether district, parliamentary constituency, or village level, and will involve local communities, including schools, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Datuk Abdul Halim cited the program’s implementation in Sabah last year as a success, noting that communities demonstrated preparedness when faced with a real incident shortly after training.
Additionally, he announced that October will be recognized as National Preparedness Month. Previously focused on flood scenarios, the initiative will now encompass earthquake and landslide scenarios as well. The simulations will cover a range of disaster scenarios to ensure all parties are well-prepared for emergencies.
Datuk Abdul Halim stated that this training will be conducted continuously, not only in Johor but nationwide, to maintain a high level of preparedness.