The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (NRE) has recommended the use of drone monitoring equipment to track the cause of flash floods and alert the public of potential floods.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Ir Hamim Samuri said the device was not only less expensive but was more capable of relaying real-time data via more accurate images.

"We have received many inquiries and complaints from the public in Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Sungai Petani and Johor Baharu but it had always been difficult to identify the real cause of flash floods," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after opening the 2106 National Drone Seminar and Exhibition (NaDES) which was attended by over 400 participants from various government and private agencies at the National Institute of Land and Survey (INSTUN) in Behrang here, today.

Hamim added that the use of drone technology had made it more convenient for agencies under the ministry especially in the monitoring, controlling and surveillance of illegal land clearing activities which had also resulted in manpower saving.

"Previously too, the Survey and Mapping Department had to spend a huge sum of money as planes and helicopters had to be mobilised for mapping purposes but now with the use of drones, it is much cheaper, easier and safer," he said.

Elaborating, he said, the use of drone technology especially in spying and enforcement activities had been very effective because information could be relayed at great speed thus accelerating decision making.

He said to date more than 20 drones of various specifications were being utilised by various agencies under NRE adding that no less than 100 units were being deployed in other ministries.

As the use of drones was seen to be crucial and the monitoring device now being used widely by other organisations, Hamim recommended that more comprehensive legislation or regulations be developed in coordinating the use of drones at the national level.