By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Nov 2 — Selangor has established the District Disaster Operation Centre (DDOC) to enhance its preparedness for future potential disasters, particularly during the monsoon season.
Selangor State Secretary Datuk Haris Kasim said the centre, which monitors and gathers disaster data, will be operational in the districts of Klang, Petaling and Hulu Klang starting this month.
The three districts were given priority due to being flood-prone areas while implementing the system in other districts will commence next year.
“I hope to witness the advancement of our technology and the development of a comprehensive infrastructure to effectively deal with disasters because previously, we had to do it (monitor) manually, which was unsystematic and time-consuming.
“Through this new system, we hope to share crucial information related to weather forecasts and the environment, which are essential to enhance our preparedness if any disaster occurs,” he said to the press after launching the DDOC at the Petaling District and Land Office today.
Haris added the system costs RM240,000 for each centre.
DDOC, developed as a centralised monitoring and operations centre within the District and Land Offices, aims to collaborate with the Smart Selangor Operation Centre (SSOC) to collect and manage disaster-related data throughout the state actively.
It involves integrating data across districts and facilitates coordination among agencies and departments at both the District Disaster Management Committee and State Disaster Management Committee levels.
The centre also utilises the Selangor Government Data Exchange (SelGDX) platform to access the latest information from relevant agencies like the Meteorological Department and Environmental Department.
Regarding preparations for the upcoming northeast monsoon, which is expected to bring about heavy rainfall and potential floods, he said Selangor is 100 per cent ready.
“We have been thoroughly preparing ourselves since August, conducting meetings and discussions to assess our assets.
“This includes ensuring that our water locks are in proper working condition and that repair and servicing works are carried out on any unused boats.
“Our most recent preparation effort occurred two weeks ago when we requested the local councils to be fully prepared. As a result, we are now completely ready to handle any situation which may arise,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_333386" align="aligncenter" width="809"]
Petaling District and Land Office personnel operating the District Disaster Operation Centre, in Section U5, Shah Alam, on November 2, 2023. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
