From Mohd Yusof Saari
BEIJING, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is seeking China’s expertise in disaster early warning systems to strengthen preparedness for unpredictable weather during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) regime, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the satellite-based system could provide more comprehensive and accurate weather forecasts, enabling the government to implement mitigation measures more effectively.
The data, he said, would help the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issue timely warnings in disaster-prone areas, particularly when rainfall and wind surges exceed initial forecasts.
“We will seek China's cooperation in global weather forecasting, including equipment and satellite-based systems.
“As the main agency responsible for providing weather information to the public, MetMalaysia must have the necessary equipment and support to deliver faster and more accurate forecasts,” he told a press conference here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, is on a five-day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin, which began yesterday.
He said the proposed cooperation would be discussed with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, including ways to expedite the acquisition of the system.
On preparations for the Northeast Monsoon, Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, said government agencies were better prepared than in previous years.
He said existing temporary evacuation centres had been upgraded, while the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) had coordinated early preparations with disaster management committees at federal, state and district levels to minimise the impact of potential disasters.
“These preparations have helped reduce flood-related losses from about RM960 million in 2024 to RM600 million last year.
“I hope our early measures and cooperation with China will enable us to prepare sooner and carry out flood evacuations more effectively,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
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