KUALA LUMPUR: The government has expedited its preparations for disaster response, assets, and facilities to aid the anticipated 1.62 million victims expected to be affected by the northeast monsoon floods.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as an immediate step, a total of 8,481 temporary relief centres (PPS) had already been activated as a precautionary measure.
"Preparations are being made even though the areas have not yet been severely affected.
"Preparations are underway to accommodate 1.62 million victims in over 5,000 schools, 2,400 halls and community centers, as well as 389 community centers," he said during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (Barisan Nasional-Jempol) on the government's preparedness in implementing a comprehensive flood disaster management plan to ensure the safety of flood victims and minimise property loss.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said permanent relief centres (PPKB) would be established soon, with pilot projects already underway in nine states.
He said the PPKB would involve a ceiling cost of RM5 million each, and would serve as flood victim relief centres.
"As we face floods yearly, it is unreasonable to rely solely on PPS, which is why the government has decided to establish the PPKB.
"When it is not flooding, these centres may be used as community activity centres," he added.
