JPAM is now under Prime Minister's Department purview - Ahmad Zahid

Effective Wednesday, The Civil Defence Department (JPAM) will be placed under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim is now responsible in administrating JPAM especially in handling natural disaster cases.

In line with the changes, the National Security Council (MKN) which previously controlled JPAM will focus on dealing with issues of national interest together with the defence and security agencies.

Ahmad Zahid said, the decision to move JPAM from the Home Ministry was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak long before the Cabinet reshuffle.

He is confident that the new entity under JPM will indicate that the government is serious in providing the best operation effort when it comes to natural disaster.

Ahmad Zahid was speaking to the press after attending his after the celebration of his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister at the KDN Complex in Putrajaya.