By Sofia Nasir
SUBANG JAYA, Nov 3 — The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) has become the first local authority in Malaysia to introduce a contingency plan as part of their preparations in dealing with flood disasters.
Subang Jaya Deputy Mayor Datuk Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali said the Disaster Relief Operations Plan (Pelan Operasi Bantuan Bencana) was developed in response to the heavy floods which affected Selangor at the end of 2021.
The plan emphasises 25 flood-risk locations and addresses property damage and loss of life due to disasters.
"This plan is the result of a workshop conducted in collaboration with all rescue agencies and departments last year. It provides more structured guidelines in the event of a flood.
"We learned much from the 2021 disaster, and have created a comprehensive plan involving all parties, including community leaders," he said during the disaster preparedness exercise yesterday for the anticipated northeast monsoon in the middle of this month.
Taking place at Tasik Puchong Prima, the two-day training, which started on Wednesday (November 1), also involved Subang Jaya and Serdang district police headquarters, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force.
Zulkurnain added that MBSJ has prepared 60 temporary relief centres (PPS) and installed 10 water level detection stations, especially in flood-prone areas.
The council's disaster operations room will be activated 24/7 starting on November 20 or earlier, depending on the weather conditions.
"Members of the public can contact the MBSJ Control and Call Center at 03-8024 7700 or use the MBSJ Public Complaint Management System in case of any complaints or emergencies," he said.
[caption id="attachment_333354" align="aligncenter" width="809"]
Subang Jaya Deputy Mayor Datuk Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali (third from right) listens to a briefing from rescue personnel during the joint disaster preparedness exercise for the northeast monsoon, at Tasik Puchong Prima, Subang Jaya, on November 2, 2023. — Picture by SOFIA NASIR/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
