Malaysia is interested to learn from Japan its experiences and know-how in managing natural disasters and reducing the risks of such calamities, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
In this regard, he said the government would be sending a team headed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) director-general Datuk Zaitun Ab Samad to learn from the experience of the Miyagi Prefecture in managing the tsunami disaster in the area.
"The experience is important as Malaysia has just formed NaDMA to act as a centre to handle national disasters and Miyagi Prefecture has offered our officers to be placed here for a specific period to gather experience.
"In my view, this is a good offer we should take up as we do not know when disaster will strike," Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, told Malaysian journalists after attending a briefing on efforts to rehabilitate and reconstruct the Miyagi Prefecture presented by Sendai Vice-Governor, Masahiro Wako on Monday.
Ahmad Zahid, who is on a five-day visit to Japan since Sunday, said the offer would give Malaysia a good opportunity to raise its preparedness to face any natural disaster.
In 2011, Miyagi Prefecture was hit by an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale and a huge tsunami resulted in the loss of lives as well as the destruction of infrastructure, including a nuclear power plant.
The Miyagi Prefecture also had the expertise and experience to manage tsunami victims, including relocating residents or rebuilding affected areas badly damaged in the disaster.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Disasters, said there were three elements Malaysia should learn from the Miyagi Prefecture.
Firstly, holistic long-term planning to avoid severe damages such as wave breakers, as well as deepening rivers at the upstream and the river mouth.
Secondly, long-term planning to house flood victims to avoid high cost while giving comfort to the victims.
Thirdly, the restructuring of disaster victims' employment income as found from the disaster.
On Monday, on the second day of his visit, Ahmad Zahid took the high speed train, Shinkasen, from Tokyo to Sendai located in Miyagi Prefecture.
During the journey, he was given a briefing on the high speed train technology by Shinkansen operator, East Japan Railway Company.
He also visited the Hiyoriyama Memorial Monument in Natori and saw the effects of tsunami and efforts to rebuild the area.
The incident which caused losses amounting to US$83 billion, took the lives of 15,894 people while 2,569 residents are still reported missing.
The World Bank estimated US$235 billion was needed to rebuild the prefecture.
Ahmad Zahid also spent time with Malaysian students studying in Tohoku University in Sendai.
Bernama
Mon May 30 2016
Ahmad Zahid (second, left) with Masahiro (second, right) during the briefing on natural disasters in the Miyagi Prefecture on Monday. - BERNAMApic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.