Ipoh:The government and all relevant agencies are taking extensive measures to prepare for the Northeast Monsoon, which is anticipated to have a more severe impact than in previous years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the state of preparedness involves comprehensive coordination between the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and disaster management committees at both state and district levels. This follows the launch of National Preparedness Month 2026 in Ipoh last month.
Dr. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the monsoon's increased severity is linked to an El Nino episode affecting many countries, especially in ASEAN. NADMA, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, has identified hotspots expected to experience unusually heavy rainfall. He noted that Kelantan, Terengganu, the northern states, particularly Kedah, as well as southern states like Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan, are frequently impacted by the Northeast Monsoon.
Roles have been designated to rescue agencies, with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) readying food aid stockpiles and fully equipped evacuation tents, supported by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The welfare of students sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams during the monsoon season remains a government priority. Contingency plans are in place to accommodate affected students at school hostels.
Dr. Ahmad Zahid also mentioned improvements to the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) aid scheme, where RM1,000 will be directly given to families at temporary relief centers. This is to ensure immediate use for cleaning homes and replacing damaged items post-flooding, provided the families have relocated to a relief center.
At a recent event, Ahmad Zahid distributed Deepavali essential supplies to 2,000 B40 households and educational assistance to 700 pupils, totaling RM70,000, in the Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituency. He also provided Smartboard TVs to support digital learning in local Tamil National-type Schools and allocated RM36,000 for kindergartens serving the Indian community.