Malaysia plans to incorporate various disaster management methods employed by Japan, such as the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and big data, to tackle the country’s flooding issues.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi asserted that these approaches, particularly effective in addressing natural disasters in the long term, will be orchestrated by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), under his role as the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, according to Bernama.
Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of drawing from the experience in Osaka to formulate comprehensive, long-term plans for effective flood management.
He highlighted that addressing flooding involves not only providing assistance to victims but also integrating irrigation, drainage, and flood control with innovative technologies.
Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid underscored the applicability of lessons learned from Osaka’s local authorities to Malaysia, including flood mitigation strategies and the deployment of high-capacity water pumps, a practice in Osaka spanning 45 years.
He stressed the need for a cost-effective, long-term approach in handling installation, repairs, modifications, and upgrades over the next few decades.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid expressed intentions to engage in discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to coordinate comprehensive mitigation efforts aimed at reducing disaster risks in Malaysia.
