However, the perception that Malaysia is safe from severe natural disasters (particularly earthquake related) is no longer accurate. In recent years, our exposure to climate-related disasters has intensified which as indicated by the scientific community – evidence of the impacts of climate change. In December 2014, Malaysia faced its worst monsoon flood in the country’s history, affecting several
states with Kelantan being the worst off. According to data from the Department of Welfare 541,896 people were affected nationwide and the Government had to bear RM2.58 billion in losses to public infrastructure alone. The flood was the most challenging for the Government given the sheer number of people becoming victims and the magnitude of the flooding which hampered rescue and relief efforts as well as causing extensive damage to infrastructure. In recent time, Malaysia was also compelled to review its vulnerability to earthquake disasters following the 5.9 magnitude tremor in Ranau, Sabah on 5 June 2015 which took the lives of 18 mountain climbers on Mount Kinabalu. In light of these dark episodes in our country and the grave outlook of future disasters, the Government of Malaysia has embarked to transform and beef up our disaster management structure and mechanism. On 26 August 2015, the Cabinet agreed to the establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) under the Prime Minister’s Department taking over the responsibility from the National Security Council. Through NADMA, the government envisions a more resilient nation and society through a sustainable disaster management mechanism, which encompasses before, during, and post disaster policies, programmes, and projects.
