(Translated from Bahasa Malaysia)

SHAH ALAM – Selangor is aiming for a disaster data as well as landslide and flood mitigation system by 2022 through studies like the disaster risk report conducted in collaboration with Tohoku University, Japan.

The Honorable Chief Minister Amirudin Shari said the study, which began in March last year, will span a period of four years after receiving approval of the State Government Council (MMKN).

He said that such data facilitates the preparedness of disaster management units, leading to more effective and efficient risk management.

“Tohoku University presented a preliminary report over a course of a five-month period that includes a number of issues such as the need for data collection, disaster maps, and community-based communication to deal with disasters.

“They also visited several localities such as Hulu Langat, Kapar and Klang to find out more about disaster management and preparedness [at these locations].

“There are a few more studies that still need to be carried out,” he said in a presentation of the Disaster Risk Report to the Chief Minister at the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) Meeting Room, State Secretary Building, on August 23.

Also present were MMKN members and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS).

Amirudin said Selangor was lucky to be selected as a ‘test bed’ for this disaster study because it had disaster planning unit with specific funds and management.

“From one unit, we are trying to expand to all stakeholders such as local authorities and related agencies, not only to deal with floods, but also to address future disaster issues such as rainfall and wind storms.”

Earlier, at a separate event, the “Disaster Risk Report: Understanding Landslide and Flood Risks for Science-Based Disaster Risk Reduction in the State of Selangor” was launched.

A total of 2,000 copies of the report will be distributed to local authorities, government agencies, and universities as reference to share with the community on disaster risk.