MACHANG: All agencies under the Home Ministry are making the necessary preparations for potential floods in the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said all relevant agencies were on standby for the monsoon season.
"Our flood preparedness is now year-round as we can anticipate when floods will occur, especially in East Coast states.
"Kedah and Johor have already experienced floods. I have been informed that the agencies involved have completed their training and listed the assets needed in the event of a flood.
"That is our current level of preparation, and if a flood occurs in any state, we are ready in terms of assets and manpower," Saifuddin said after launching the "One Village, One Leader" Madani programme with the Malaysia Control and Border Protection Agency (MCBA) in Kampung Bukit Tiu here today.
Present was MCBA director-general Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali.
It was reported today (Oct 19) that the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms across several West Coast states and parts of Sabah and Sarawak until 3pm today.
Severe weather is expected in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Johor and Melaka, as well as parts of Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Sarawak and Sabah.
On the "One Village, One Leader" Madani programme, Saifuddin said efforts will be made to boost the potential of Kampung Tiu by directly engaging with residents to identify their socio-economic challenges and needs.
He added that the programme will involve villagers, youth, school students, government agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
"It will feature various activities, including religious talks, traditional games, 'dikir barat' performances and exhibitions.
"All 10 agencies under the ministry, along with banking institutions and NGOs, are encouraged to participate."
Saifuddin said the programme was held in collaboration with the Health Ministry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, police and the National Registration Department (NRD).
"This initiative aligns with the goals of the Santuni Madani programme, focusing on sustainable local development."