{
  "id": 13678937,
  "title": "Zahid wants states to implement Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/zahid-wants-states-to-implement-disaster-risk-reduction-policy-2030",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T08:03:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1553108/zahid-wants-states-implement-disaster-risk-reduction-policy-2030"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on states to implement the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 by creating concrete action plans tailored to local risks, assigning clear responsibilities, and setting implementation targets. This is essential as the country anticipates potential floods during the Northeast Monsoon and a prolonged hot and dry spell linked to the possibility of an El Nino event. Both situations require early preparation and close coordination among government agencies to minimize risks and safeguard lives.\n\nZahid emphasized the importance of preparing for disasters before they occur, with communities and agencies knowing their roles in emergencies. He highlighted the need for proper planning and coordination, sharing examples of how quickly disasters can disrupt lives, such as floods in Nepal and a cyclone in Sri Lanka. Even minor earthquake incidents, like one reported in Gerik, Perak, should not be taken lightly, he warned.\n\nZahid stressed that residents in flood-prone areas must know evacuation routes, who will assist them, and how aid can reach them if roads are cut off. For drought-prone regions, water supplies and agricultural needs must be planned well in advance. Nearly 30,000 volunteers from 45 agencies across 14 states have participated in over 1,000 relief missions over the past 10 months, and Zahid commended their efforts and those of the private sector.\n\nHowever, he stressed the importance of coordinating assistance from the outset to ensure it reaches those most in need. Zahid directed all states to establish permanent disaster evacuation centers at selected schools that have traditionally served as temporary relief centers. Additionally, the distribution of Compassionate Cash Assistance has been streamlined, with Nadma directed to disburse the aid to flood victims before they leave temporary evacuation centers. This change aims to help victims meet immediate post-flood expenses, such as cleaning their homes and household equipment.\n\nZahid urged all parties to reduce risks before disasters strike, protect lives during emergencies, and help affected communities recover afterwards. He emphasized that preparedness is not just a reaction but a permanent commitment, as the lives of the people are too precious to only prepare after something has happened.",
  "summary": "IPOH: States must translate the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 into concrete action plans based on local risks, with clear responsibilities and implementation targets.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}