Malaysia calls for inclusive policies to boost Asean’s Disaster resilience at Asean Ministerial Meeting

PUTRAJAYA (Oct 24): Malaysia has emphasised the importance of integrating inclusive policies within the Asean disaster management framework to build more resilient communities at the ongoing 12th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) in Brunei, which began yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who led the Malaysian delegation at the meeting, said Malaysia will also intensify its participation in regional mechanisms such as the Asean Standby Arrangements (SASOP), which ensure that disaster emergency responses are coordinated efficiently and in a timely manner.

“This includes the assessment of national assets and capabilities to support faster and more effective regional responses,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, said that he also highlighted Malaysia’s active role in supporting the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), as well as its involvement in exercises and simulations such as the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) and the Asean Joint Disaster Response Plan (AJDRP).

“Malaysia has offered the services of the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to Asean countries affected by severe disasters,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said that SMART is the only elite rescue team from Asean and the second in Asia after Japan, recognised by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

He said Malaysia will also continue to stand firm in disaster risk management, and the AMMDM further demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing disaster resilience across the region.

The deputy prime minister also emphasised that the challenges posed by climate change require close regional cooperation.

“In this regard, Malaysia will continue to align its strategies with the outcomes of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) that was recently held in Manila. This will help strengthen Asean’s collective resilience in facing new challenges,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said that through cooperation and the sharing of expertise, Asean will be able to build and enhance the region’s capacity to face upcoming challenges.

He said that he also shared Malaysia’s stance on being committed to strengthening disaster resilience through both local and regional initiatives, including the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 and the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) programme, which involves vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

These policies and programmes clearly demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment and actions towards disaster risk management, with a focus on risk mitigation, he said.

Ahmad Zahid also highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to adopt the use of technology in disaster management through the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRABN), which can predict floods up to seven days in advance and issue public warnings within 48 hours.

It is indeed a key innovation to improve disaster response efficiency, he said, adding that these efforts are further strengthened by significant investments in critical infrastructure to ensure that essential services continue to operate during disasters.

The AMMDM, themed ‘Building a Resilient Asean Through Inclusive and Sustainable Disaster Recovery’, among others, emphasises the importance of collective efforts in facing the increasing frequency and impact of natural disasters.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid said that he, along with delegates from Asean member countries, was granted an audience with the Crown Prince of Brunei, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah.

He said that, during the meeting, the Crown Prince also expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the presence of Asean Ministers in the country and for their commitment to enhancing Asean cooperation in regional resilience, as well as strengthening disaster management towards fostering a safer Asean.

“I also extended my thanks to the Government of Brunei for the warm hospitality extended to me and the Malaysian delegation throughout the 12th AMMDM.

“During the audience, the ministers and representatives from Asean member countries had the opportunity to present souvenirs to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince,” he said. – Bernama