ABU DHABI: Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring ways to boost disaster management through artificial intelligence (AI) and expertise exchange.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he and the UAE Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouie had discussed a partnership between the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).
NCEMA is a leading authority under the Supreme Council for National Security with extensive expertise in crisis management across sectors.
"As the chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, I recognise the value of learning from the UAE's advanced crisis management practices.
"The UAE's experience in handling complex disaster challenges offers invaluable insights as we work to strengthen Malaysia's disaster preparedness.
"By adopting proven strategies, we can enhance our resilience to better protect our communities and infrastructure," he said after visiting Ncema today as part of his inaugural seven-day official work visit to the UAE.
He was accompanied by Ncema vice president Obaid Rashid Al Hassan Al Shamsi.
Zahid said he learned about the UAE's disaster management system and noted that there were similarities despite the different climates of both countries.
"We also learned how coordination and quick actions are carried out during a crisis, along with the use of AI for analysis.
"I have also emphasised that exchange training programmes between both countries can be organised to share knowledge and expertise. I will discuss this with the Foreign Ministry and its counterparts," he said.
Zahid said Nadma has developed several proposals to enhance Malaysia's disaster management capabilities, including the High Altitude Platform System and Specialised Disaster Response Vehicle.
Earth Observation, he said, uses satellite imagery to gather critical data on weather patterns, sea levels, and environmental conditions, providing early warnings of potential disasters.
The High Altitude Platform System sees the use of drones and high-altitude balloons to capture high-resolution, real-time data for improved situational awareness in affected areas.
"AI in Disaster is about its technology to predict disasters based on historical data, enabling early warnings, disaster type forecasting, and logistical planning.
"As for Specialised Disaster Response Vehicles, we will draw lessons from the UAE's use of advanced vehicles in disaster management for more effective and swift responses.
"This collaboration will strengthen our joint efforts in providing disaster relief to neighbouring countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines.
"Recently, we deployed an EC725 helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, along with a 16-member crew, to support the Philippines in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami," he said.
He said that Malaysia had actively participated in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines and the 12th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) in Brunei to strengthen regional disaster risk management frameworks.
Meanwhile, Zahid said he and Suhail also explored opportunities for collaboration in the halal sector, including certification and expanding halal trade potential.
"We also discussed initiatives to advance renewable energy efforts in Malaysia and explored cooperation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector to enhance workforce skills and facilitate knowledge exchange.
"These high potential collaborations will strengthen Malaysia and the UAE's bilateral relations," he said.