(Translated from Bahasa Malaysia)

SHAH ALAM – The state government in collaboration with Tohoku University, Japan has launched the book Disaster Risk Report: Understanding the Risks of Landslides and Floods Based on Science in Selangor.

Selangor Exco for Environment, Green Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation and Consumer Affairs, Hee Loy Sian said, 2,000 books will be distributed free of charge to local authorities, government agencies and universities for reference.

According to him, a period of four years was taken for the purpose of the study with a cost of RM2.8 million also received cooperation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“It is the first collaboration between the state government and a university in Tokyo to deal with disasters. Japan has expertise in disasters and we use that advantage according to the suitability of the situation in Malaysia.

“Four locations selected are frequently affected by floods and landslides, namely Klang, Hulu Langat, Gombak and Ampang are listed in the book report,” he said.

He said this at the Report Book Presentation Ceremony from Tohoku University to the state government at the Shah Alam Convention Center, here today.

He hopes that the benefits of the book reach the community and can be applied in the face of disasters.

“This book clearly describes the risky location, early signs of disaster and the steps to be taken when faced in an emergency.

“Early prevention reduces panic situations and reduces public dependence with security agencies completely when faced with the situation,” he said.