KUALA LUMPUR: Focus on early disaster warnings and increasing the number of sirens at strategic locations during the flood season are among the topics discussed during Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's special visit to the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) here today.
Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the ministry also presented MetMalaysia's studies to Al-Sultan Abdullah, as well as the data and records used in making sure the right information regarding the monsoon were delivered to the people.
"We also presented the coordination of aid and relief provided by governmental agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to His Majesty.
"This is so that every party involved can reduce the impact of floods in the county, as well as helping victims accordingly.
"His Majesty is satisfied with the ministry's preparations to face the northeast monsoon," he said after the special briefing for Al-Sultan Abdullah today.
He added that the ministry and its agencies were paying serious attention to the monsoon that was expected to occur from this month to March next year.
Present during the visit were Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and Kasa secretary-general Dr Zaini Ujang.
The visit, which lasted about two hours, also included a briefing with the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) and Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on the country's latest weather developments.
It was also learnt that the visit was at the request of His Majesty, who wanted to see the preparedness and plans of government agencies in facing the monsoon.
Meanwhile, Khairy said the Health Ministry (MoH) also presented Al-Sultan Abdullah with current information on the Covid-19 situation in the country.
He added that the ministry had set forth plans and preparations at flood relief centres (PPS).
"MoH had presented the plans and the need to have staff at the PPS and health facilities should floods occur," he said.
When asked whether the special visit was related to the upcoming general election, Khairy only said that Al-Sultan Abdullah was concerned about the wellbeing of the people.
"His Majesty only asked about general views on the flood situation as we are facing the Northeast monsoon. It is not related to the general election," he said.