KAJANG MAR 24: Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hopes the Civil Defence Force (CDF) will play a bigger role in increasing the level of preparedness in facing disasters at the district, state and national level.
He said, the CDF should also be involved in the management and help increase the level of awareness about disasters among the local people.
“The CDF should act as the first responder in tackling and handling disasters and fire,” said Muhyiddin in his speech when launching the CDF’s 69th Anniversary celebration and its headquarters here today.
The Prime Minister added, as such the CDF will expand the scope of emergency and disaster management covering joint-operations with other agencies.
He added this move is very crucial as the country is still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up stations and quarantine centres, border control and community empowering programme.
“The government will look into several proposals to strengthen the CDF’s role as the country’s defence line, especially in providing humanitarian services during emergency or disasters.
“One of the proposals is the building of training and office complexes in Perak, Sabah and Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” said Muhyiddin.
The complexes said Muhyiddin will serve as temporary shelters equipped with warning systems for residents affected by disasters.
He added other initiatives include promotions and restructuring of permanent staff at the state and district offices via the Disaster Management Secretariat.
On the strength of CDF staff, Muhyiddin said he was informed that there were only 578 personnel employed on permanent basis for the disaster on the ground.-Malaysia World News
