Northeast Monsoon: Wind Surge Movement Closely Monitored, Early Preparedness Crucial – Ahmad Zahid

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Early preparedness is crucial in facing the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) following wind surges that are shifting rain clouds towards seven districts in Sabah and Sarawak instead of the usual impact on the East Coast of the Peninsula, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the phenomenon should not be taken lightly as scientific studies could not determine the exact locations likely to be affected due to the influence of global warming and climate change, which complicated such predictions.

“Therefore, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) are constantly monitoring wind movements in relation to the La Nina phenomenon, which signals the start of the MTL season,” he told Bernama in an interview here today.

Ahmad Zahid said that although the season typically ended in early January, it could extend into early next year.

“That is why preparedness is very important, especially when the district and state-level Disaster Management Committees issue notifications for residents to evacuate earlier,” he said.

“The standard operating procedure (SOP) set is for evacuations to take place two to three days earlier so that lives can be saved, and important documents and household items can be moved beforehand,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid noted that cooperation among various parties in handling floods this year had been better than before, thanks to close coordination between enforcement agencies and volunteer bodies.

“This time, the situation is somewhat different because we have received very good cooperation as coordination has been carried out not only by enforcement agencies but also involving volunteer organisations,” he said.

In Sabah, for example, he said two volunteer bodies were automatically formed as many individuals and agencies came forward to help during floods. However, after the floods, clean-up work was usually borne by the occupants themselves, with assistance from family members.

Ahmad Zahid said that, for the first time, NADMA, with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) had helped supply cleaning equipment to flood victims with the support of volunteer groups.

“This time we are using a somewhat different approach where NADMA helps purchase cleaning equipment in cooperation with NGOs and volunteer organisations,” he said.

He added that the approach was very much welcomed as it not only eased the burden of victims but also sped up the recovery process after disasters.

-- BERNAMA