Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail – Bernama file photo
CYBERJAYA: The government has agreed to form the National Disaster Relief Fund (TBBN) to encourage the public to assist in disaster management, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
She said the fund, managed by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) under the Prime Minister’s Department, would help the government coordinate donations from various parties including individuals.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also the Chairman of NADMA, said at present, disaster relief donations are being handled by various parties with no coordination.
“The government wants to extend this fund to encourage contribution of the private sector, voluntary bodies and individuals on the principle that disaster management is the responsibility of all,” she said at the opening of the National Preparedness Month 2019, here today.
Dr Wan Azizah said the donations would be kept in the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund (KWABBN) account and that funds received would be used in accordance with the purpose of the KWABBN Trust Deed.
She said as stressed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, disaster risk management is a responsibility that must be shared not only by the government but also by all parties including the community.
Dr Wan Azizah said civil preparedness was very important to be applied to society as a culture and that it is important for the community to understand the risks of disasters in their surroundings in order to plan for preparedness.
She said the culture of preparedness among the people should involve the cooperation of all government agencies at the central, state and district levels, as well as the private and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including individuals.
Examples of community preparedness include disaster relief plans for families and communities and updating local community profiles especially those of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the disabled and children, she said.
Dr Wan Azizah said the government was always working to ensure a more efficient coordination of disaster management so that disaster victims would receive necessary protection and assistance from all parties.
She said, recognising the importance of science and technology applications in disaster management, NADMA has taken the initiative to appoint experts in the field from the private and public to serve as advisors to the agency.
Dr Wan Azizah said the establishment of the Science and Technology Expert Panel (STEP) was expected to help the government make decisions based on facts and evidence. – Bernama