PUTRAJAYA: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), which operates under the Prime Minister's Department, has partnered with multiple agencies, departments, and telecommunications companies to roll out a new early flood SMS warning system for areas at risk of flooding this monsoon season.
In a statement today, Nadma director-general, Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, said that this project is a collaboration amongst Nadma, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM), and various telecommunications companies, all aimed at keeping the public informed about potential floods.
"Telecommunications companies participating in the project include CelcomDigi, Maxis, UMobile, TM/Webe, YTL, Time, DNB, XOX (Celcom Network), Tune Talk, redONE Network, BeONE Network (Celcom Network), and Valyou/HelloSim Network (Celcom Network).
"All participating companies have agreed to bear the full cost of sending these SMS alerts as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
"These companies will send flood warnings directly to individuals in areas at risk, ensuring timely information is provided to help them take precautionary actions or evacuate," he said.
The SMS alerts will be triggered once the National Disaster Control Centre (NDCC) receives flood warnings from JPS.
"The NDCC operates around the clock, monitoring weather and disaster-related updates," he said, adding that the alerts will be specifically targeted at the areas predicted to be at risk of flooding, allowing residents to receive relevant information.
Khairul Shahril said that communication is crucial in disaster preparedness.
"Early warning systems, such as the SMS service, are vital for informing the public and enabling communities to take immediate action to protect themselves during floods."
To ensure that the telecommunications network remains functional during disasters, he said telecom companies have strengthened network coverage by upgrading 442 transmission tower sites across the country.
"Additionally, telecom providers have been advised to monitor high-risk towers and ensure they are equipped with backup power sources and mobile base stations to prevent service disruptions," he said.
For example, the alert will contain specific information such as the date, time, and location of the expected floods, as well as links to obtain further information via Nadma's disaster portal.
"This initiative builds on a partnership between the government and telecommunication companies that began in 2017. During the last 2023/2024 monsoon season, over 5 million SMS flood warnings were successfully sent to affected residents. This year, the SMS alerts will continue year-round, not limited to just the monsoon season," said Khairul Shahril, adding that JPS has identified 4,619 flood hotspots across 152 districts in the country.
He also said that the 2024/2025 monsoon season, which began in early November, is expected to last until March 2025. Therefore, everyone should stay informed and follow evacuation instructions to avoid potential harm.
For real-time flood updates, the public is encouraged to visit Nadma's official disaster portal at https://portalbencana.nadma.gov.my/.