KUALA LUMPUR – 96 temporary relief centres which can accommodate more than 22,000 flood victims around the federal capital and Putrajaya are ready to be activated in preparation for flood disasters during the northeast monsoon season this year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said it is part of the 6,010 temporary relief centres across the country that are able to accommodate more than 1.6 million people who are ready to relocate during the flood season.
“The Social Welfare Department focuses on four things, namely protection, food, counselling and registration at the temporary relief centres.
“In terms of food preparation, the use of retort-packaged food as an initial preparation to assure food quality and freshness and ensure zero bacteria contamination,” she said when officiating the Simulation Training and Management Programme for the relief centres here today.
A total of 250 participants comprising employees of the Social Welfare Department, Civil Defence Force, Royal Malaysia Police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Fire and Rescue Department, Health Office, Malaysian Volunteer Department and resident association representatives in the programme at Sentul Community Centre as preparation to face any disaster.
Rina said the programme aims to provide information and exposure related to disaster management in a more efficient, integrated and effective manner to the personnel involved.
Previously, the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) was reported to have identified a total of 36 hot spots at risk of flooding in the capital, including the People’s Housing Project in Batu Muda, Kg Kassipilay, Kg Puah and Kg Chubadak.
In the meantime, Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot when asked about the preparations if the 15th general election is held during the flood season said his department is ready to negotiate with the Election Commission regarding venue management as temporary relief centres and polling stations usually use the same place.
“There is no specific plan yet but we will negotiate if a place is needed for election matters,” he said. – Bernama, September 28, 2022
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