Kuala lumpur: Expecting another round of year-end floods that could affect thousands of residents, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has adopted a proactive approach by delivering essential supplies to high-risk areas ahead of the flood season. The initiative aims to ensure that flood victims remain adequately supported with food and necessities even if access roads are cut off or emergency teams are stretched thin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kembara Kitchen founder William Cheah stated that more than a decade of disaster response experience has proven that advance delivery makes relief efforts smoother, faster and more cost-efficient, while reducing pressure on both responders and affected communities. He emphasized that the early approach also helps the NGO identify actual needs in flood-prone areas and avoid delays when floods hit several states simultaneously.

Cheah explained, “Before the northeast monsoon (MTL), we coordinate early with responders such as the Fire and Rescue Department and the police nationwide, and distribute ready-to-eat (RTE) Hero Meals to ensure aid planning is streamlined.” He also noted the challenges of delivering aid during a flood, which include cut-off roads, sudden spikes in demand and logistical constraints, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, where it can take up to two weeks to reach those in need.

Last year, Kembara Kitchen exceeded its targets by distributing more than 70,000 RTE packs nationwide, including missions to Sabah and Sarawak. Most of the supplies, donated by corporate partners, are already in the hands of responders for immediate distribution. As a corporate and NGO partner of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Kembara Kitchen has also prepared 10,000 RTE packs specifically for NADMA’s post-MTL 2025/2026 missions. The organisation will continue producing Hero Meals and stocking essential items such as baby and adult diapers and sanitation supplies through March next year.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Campus Sustainability Centre director Professor Fadhil Mohd Din highlighted that a consistently proactive approach not only saves lives but also speeds up evacuations, maintains continuity of learning and reduces post-disaster recovery costs. He pointed out that close collaboration between NGOs and local authorities can help accelerate aid delivery to high-risk locations.

Professor Fadhil added, “Malaysia’s early warning system, including MetMalaysia forecasts via the myCuaca app and real-time river level data from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) through the Public InfoBanjir platform, helps ensure relief operations reach the right areas faster.” Members of the public wishing to assist may contribute at the Kembara Community Care Centre (K3C) in Kota Kemuning or contact Kembara Kitchen’s Disaster Coordination manager Azreen Harun at 017-883 5249.