By Yasmin Ramlan
PETALING JAYA, Nov 29 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has maintained a 24-hour disaster operations room since November 3, given the northeast monsoon season, which is expected to take place starting this month until March next year.
Its deputy mayor Aznan Hassan said the centre will primarily focus on receiving and addressing disaster-related complaints, as well as coordinating actions among departments.
“MBPJ is at its highest preparedness capacity to address potential challenges posed by the recent unpredictable weather patterns. The frequent heavy evening rain has raised concerns about potential flash floods.
“Therefore, we are activating the 24-hour operations room, located at the enforcement department’s Smart Centre, to monitor and anticipate all potential scenarios,” he said during the council’s monthly meeting at its headquarters today.
Aznan added that staff in the operations room will utilise the existing disaster dashboard to assist them in their operations and management of any disaster.
The public can contact the MBPJ disaster operations at 03-79574113. Alternatively, they can directly lodge a report to the Fire and Rescue Department or Royal Police Malaysia, with feedback to be passed on to the centre.
Earlier this month, Selangor State Secretary Datuk Haris Karim announced the establishment of the District Disaster Operation Centre (DDOC) to enhance its preparedness for future disasters, particularly during the monsoon season.
The centre, which monitors and gathers disaster data, will be operational in the districts of Klang, Petaling and Hulu Klang starting this month, which are given priority due to being flood-prone areas. The system will be implemented in other districts next year.
On a separate matter, Aznan said MBPJ had been awarded the Excellent Local Authority Award (City) at the inaugural Local Government Development Ministry’s (KPKT) Ministerial Excellence 2023 award ceremony on November 11.
“This award aims to acknowledge the outstanding contributions and successes of individuals within KPKT and local authorities.
“It serves as a recognition for local authorities dedicated to enhancing quality service, particularly within the local community,” he said.
