By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Sept 29 — The two-day state disaster simulation and training which began yesterday will focus on improving intra-agency communication during rescue operations, in preparations for the major floods expected at the end of the year.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the programme will also review and update the standard operating procedures (SOP) on rescue operations, in line with the National Security Council’s (NSC) directive.
“This is to ensure smoother and faster disaster management as well as reducing fatality risks. This is because search and rescue operations need to be launched as quickly as possible during disasters.
“The programme has made it clear that it is not easy for each department to function. As such, we mobilise our assets ahead of time to face disasters,” he said after launching the state disaster simulation and training, earlier today.
Amirudin said all rescue assets, including those from the Social Welfare Department and local authorities in each state district, have been prepared to face the floods.
“In previous instances the assets were centralised. But when floods occurred, help could not be sent out or supplies were cut off. These were learning lessons for us, and we began early mobilisation of assets since August,” he said.
The programme that ended today saw 343 personnel from 67 agencies participate, and is aimed at making sure all relevant parties are ready in terms of their service, equipment and assets, to face any disasters in Selangor.
