{
  "id": 13685659,
  "title": "Zahid: Disaster preparedness key to reducing property losses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/zahid-disaster-preparedness-key-to-reducing-property-losses-13685659",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T08:49:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/11/zahid-disaster-preparedness-key-to-reducing-property-losses/238696"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "IPOH, October 11 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the significance of disaster preparedness in reducing property losses, such as damage to public assets and infrastructure. In 2023, disaster-related losses in the country amounted to RM636.9 million, including RM380.2 million involving public assets and infrastructure, marking a decrease from the RM933.4 million losses in 2024. Zahid stressed the importance of preparedness in protecting both the value of life and economic value, highlighting early warning systems, awareness programs, and collective action in building capacity to address potential risks before disaster strikes. The National Preparedness Month (BKN) 2026, which Zahid chairs, aims to raise public awareness and translate these efforts into action. Zahid also highlighted the role of rescue teams, early warning systems, and timely evacuations in disaster response, alongside the importance of land-use planning, river management, and monitoring high-risk areas. He called for the integration of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 into local action plans, with clear agency responsibilities and implementation targets. Zahid also praised the Cell Broadcast System, which sends alerts directly to mobile phones without intruding on personal data, and credited the efforts of nearly 30,000 volunteers from 45 agencies across 14 states in disaster relief missions over the past 10 months. The key to effective disaster response, according to Zahid, lies in strong communication, coordination, and timely actions.",
  "summary": "IPOH, Oct 11 — Preparedness in disaster management helps reduce property losses, including damage to public assets...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Disaster Preparedness Helps Reduce Property Losses - Ahmad Zahid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/general-disaster-preparedness-helps-reduce-property-losses-ahmad-zahid",
        "published": "2026-10-11T06:46:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Zahid: Disaster preparedness key to reducing property losses",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/zahid-disaster-preparedness-key-to-reducing-property-losses",
        "published": "2026-10-11T08:49:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}