Govt to improve communication, create early warning system for disasters - Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will set up a task force to improve the existing communication system and create a faster and effective early warning system for disasters for the benefit of the people.

Minister of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the matter will be discussed in detail by the KKMM secretary-general and the relevant agencies, including the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

"The Cabinet is of the opinion that the communication system and information delivery to the people need to be improved.

"That is why we strive to have a better system including by adopting the concept of SMS blasting so that we can send early warning quickly and accurately to the people in disaster-affected areas," he told a press conference after delivering the 2022 New Year's message for KKMM at Angkasapuri here today.

In the message, Annuar also acknowledged that there were some weaknesses in the existing methods of information delivery during disasters.

Nevertheless, he said complaints and criticisms received for the weaknesses would be looked into for improvements.

On flood aid, Annuar said the federal government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is among the fastest and most proactive in responding to the flood disaster that hit the country.

In fact, he said the KKMM's Operasi Bantu Hingga Selesai (Ops BAHIS) was among the best initiatives seen to have helped and made a deep impact on the flood victims.

"The flood disaster has opened the door to all quarters to improve their commitment as a Malaysian Family to work together and alleviate the burden of the victims," he said.

On the issues on implementation of 5G technology, Annuar gave assurance that the issues would be tackled objectively without bias.

The proposal on the implementation is being fine-tuned before it can be tabled to the Cabinet.

"InsyaAllah, it will all be settled this year and we can move forward to improve the quality of information technology, including the 5G, in the country," he added.

-- BERNAMA