Zahid (right) during a working visit to the JPAM headquarters. Also seen is Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (second left) — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Assets and equipment of the Civil Defence Department of Malaysia (JPAM), an agency under the Home Ministry, will be beefed up to enable the agency to play a more effective and efficient role.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the JPAM need to strengthen its functions by applying for additional assets to ensure the agency was always ready to face disasters which involved the community.
“Assets needed to beef up its functions are helicopters, Amphibious vehicles, high powered speed boats, 10 tonne lorries, five tonne lorries and mobile kitchens. The allocation needed to buy such assets can be hundreds of millions,” he told reporters after visiting the JPAM headquarters, here yesterday.
“JPAM has also taken initiatives to attract experts and leaders in various fields to assist the agency to play a more effective and efficient role in providing assistance during disasters.”
He said the JPAM actually played a major role, especially during disasters or any other major incidents, like the recent floods.
“During the recent massive floods that hit many states in the country, the JPAM played a pivotal role in providing frontline assistance effectively despite inadequate assets,” he said. — Bernama