Budget 2027: Nadma to use RM260m allocation for disaster relief centres, equipment, says Zahid

IPOH, Oct 11 — The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) plans to utilize the RM260 million allocated in Budget 2027 for constructing additional Permanent Disaster Relief Centres (PPKBs) and acquiring disaster preparedness assets and equipment, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The move aims to bolster frontline agencies' operational capabilities, especially in managing disasters like floods.

Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, revealed plans to establish two PPKBs in each state, focusing on hotspot regions prone to frequent flooding and requiring mass evacuations. Currently, 15 PPKBs in nine states are slated to commence operations in stages starting this year, with one fully completed in Johor and Pahang, nine under construction, and four under procurement or planning.

Apart from PPKB construction, the RM260 million budget will also cover the procurement of disaster preparedness assets and equipment such as boats and water pumps for relevant agencies. The assistance rate for repairing homes impacted by disasters has also been raised from RM5,000 to RM10,000 per family to expedite the recovery process for victims and enable their reconstruction after a disaster.

Moreover, aid management has been improved by distributing Bantuan Wang Ihsan to victims while they are at Temporary Evacuation Centres before they return to their homes to provide swift assistance to affected families.