IPOH, Oct 11 — Preparedness in disaster management helps reduce property losses, including damage to public assets and infrastructure, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said that losses due to disasters in the country last year reached RM636.9 million, including RM380.2 million involving public assets and infrastructure.
“This figure was lower than the RM933.4 million in 2024. That is why preparedness must protect two important values, namely the value of life and economic value. Yes, we want to save lives, while also protecting homes, taking care of people’s livelihoods and preserving the fruits of the people’s hard work.
“This is where the early warning system comes in. These are awareness programmes that we must collectively translate into action. We want to raise public awareness of the importance of National Preparedness Month (BKN) in building the capacity to address potential risks before disaster strikes,” said Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee.
