RM260mil to strengthen disaster preparedness next year
IPOH: The government will allocate RM260 million to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) next year to strengthen disaster preparedness, including providing essential equipment for rescue operations.
The Malaysian government has allocated RM260 million for the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) next year to enhance disaster preparedness, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The funds will be used to address shortages in essential equipment for rescue operations, such as boats, water pumps, and filtration machines.
These resources are crucial not only for effective rescue efforts but also for ensuring access to clean water during disasters that may disrupt supplies. Zahid emphasized that many agencies involved in disaster response, including the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Armed Forces, and Malaysian Civil Defence Force, currently lack adequate equipment.
This allocation is part of proactive measures announced by the Prime Minister during the launch of the 2026 National Preparedness Month in Ipoh. The government also plans to establish permanent evacuation centers in each state, prioritizing flood-prone areas that frequently experience disasters and have high numbers of evacuees.
The target is to provide two permanent evacuation centers in each state, although financial constraints pose a challenge in meeting this demand quickly. In the upcoming 2027 Budget, the government will further increase financial assistance for repairing homes damaged by disasters, raising the amount from RM5,000 to RM10,000.
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