OYA: Northeast Monsoon (MTL) preparedness training is crucial for improving readiness to handle disasters and emergencies, says Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
She stressed the importance of the Civil Defence Force (APM), as the implementing agency of the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programme, in empowering communities to act as first responders and risk reduction agents.
“To date, 171 training sessions involving 17,350 participants have been conducted under this programme. I urge greater community participation to strengthen resilience against disasters.
“Community involvement is the cornerstone of effective disaster management and risk reduction. As the frontline, they need adequate knowledge, skills, and resources to respond quickly and effectively,” she said.
Fatimah made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the Northeast Monsoon Preparedness Training (MTL) 2024 for the Central Zone, organised by APM at the Kaul Oya Site yesterday.
Fatimah, who is also the Dalat assemblywoman, stressed the importance of reminding the community about Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during disasters and advised against panicking.
“APM plays a vital role in saving lives, protecting property, and ensuring residents move to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) if required.
“In addition to physical assistance, we also address mental and emotional wellbeing by providing counsellors. For families or young children, we organise activities to keep them engaged at PPS,” she added.
Fatimah also called on district disaster management agencies to collaborate and provide more exposure to the community.
This, she said, would enhance resilience, awareness, and preparedness through comprehensive and holistic risk management strategies.
Also present at the event were Sarawak APM director Mohtar Samad and Sarawak Social Welfare Department director Semawi Mohamad.
