Coordinated approach needed to tackle recurring disasters, says King

PETALING JAYA: A more systematic and strategic approach must be adopted to address the impact of natural disasters, especially flooding that occurs every year, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

He said the Batang Kali landslide in Selangor last year must be made a reminder to all so that such incidents would not recur.

“In facing such challenges, the physical security aspect through risk and disaster management must be emphasised for the sake of the people.

“A more systematic and strategic approach should immediately be implemented to address recurring natural disasters, especially floods.

“It is timely for the disaster management mechanism to be managed effectively through proper coordination,” he said in his Royal Address in Parliament on Monday (Feb 13).

The Batang Kali landslide tragedy, which occurred at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Gohtong Jaya, Batang Kali, at 2.42am on Dec 16, claimed 31 lives while 61 people survived the disaster.