Disaster Risk Reduction Act study expected to be completed within 12 months

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 - A study on the proposed Disaster Risk Reduction Act is expected to be finished within 12 months, announced Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) conducted the baseline study, and Nadma's findings and recommendations will be reviewed and coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies before the policy and legislation are finalized.

The exact timeline for tabling the National Disaster Management Bill in the Dewan Rakyat is yet to be determined, as the process still involves assessing the necessity and suitable form of the legislative framework. Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, stated that the study's findings would be crucial for Nadma to decide on the direction of strengthening the country's disaster governance, focusing on prevention, risk reduction, and community and national resilience.

The government aims to ensure that the proposed legislation's form and scope align with the country's disaster management needs, taking a science-, data-, and technology-based approach to preparedness, early action, early warning systems, clear command structures, and rapid, coordinated responses.