Govt allocates RM10mil to address impact of southwest monsoon, says Nadma

PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed to allocate RM10mil to address the impact of the southwest monsoon which is expected to bring several negative effects to the country.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said the agency will coordinate the distribution of the allocation, under the National Disaster Assistance Trust Fund, according to the needs of the disaster operation.

“The technical agencies and disaster management response centres are prepared for the monsoon,” read the statement.

Last May 14, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported saying the country is expected to face several negative impacts, including health issues, water supply shortage, forest or bushfires, haze, and reduced agricultural yields, from the Southwest Monsoon.

As such, he reminded all disaster management agencies to take active steps to mitigate related disaster risks.

Meanwhile, Nadma said the relevant agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, the Environment Department, the Health Ministry, the Drainage and Irrigation Department and the Minerals and Geosciences Department have made several preparations to face the monsoon.

It said the preparation included providing alternative water sources, namely 640 wells for domestic use and 104 wells for fire prevention and extinguishing in peat land and forest areas.