WELLINGTON, July 17 — Malaysia and New Zealand could strengthen cooperation in disaster management through a more holistic approach, following Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s visit to the National Crisis Management Centre here today.
The visit to the centre, also known as the Beehive Bunker, is seen as a new chapter in emergency and disaster management collaboration between the two countries.
Zahid, who is also Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the visit was not merely symbolic but aimed at expanding strategic cooperation encompassing information sharing, education, and disaster safety training, including rescue simulations and disaster victim logistics management.
“Malaysia and New Zealand have long enjoyed cooperation in various fields, but disaster management remains an area with great potential to be enhanced bilaterally,” he told reporters here.
Zahid also welcomed the progress in ongoing negotiations between the National Disaster Management Agency and New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency, which are working towards finalising a memorandum of understanding in the near future.
“I am confident this effort will serve as a landmark for more coordinated, structured and effective cooperation between the two countries, for the safety of the people and stronger regional preparedness,” he said.
Zahid, on his visit to the Beehive Bunker in the New Zealand Parliament building here, was joined by an official delegation and senior Malaysian officials.
He will conclude his five-day working visit to New Zealand and return to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
— Bernama
