KOTA KINABALU: The use of retort food, or pre-packed food, will be considered during disaster relief operations.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Tasks), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the introduction of the food retort technology is new in Sabah but has been implemented in Peninsular Malaysia before and proven to be effective.
"This is the first time retort food technology has been used in disaster relief operations as an alternative to conventional food supply at temporary relief centers."
"This approach appears to be an effective way to provide food swiftly to victims who seek relief and ensure quality in terms of hygiene, safety and nutritional quality," he told reporters after visiting the SMK Tandek temporary relief centre in Kota Marudu.
Armizan said the matter will be elaborated in a meeting with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Community Welfare Department, the State Welfare Department and the Sabah government.
During his visit, Armizan was briefed by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) under the National Disaster Command Centre (NDCC).
"The monsoon rains will last until Feb 4, mostly in east Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, according to the forecast by the Meteorological Department (Met Malaysia)," he said.
In the recent floods nationwide, 13 districts in four states were affected.
These were Johor in six districts, Sabah in five districts, Pahang and Terengganu, a district each.
There were a total of 14,012 victims from 4,596 families who sought help at 73 temporary relief centres nationwide. These do not include those who were assisted directly and were not evacuated to the relief centres.