KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Fifteen permanent relief centres (PPK) in nine states will open from this year, said Deputy Digital Minister Wilson Ugak Kumbong, to strengthen the national disaster management system.
Representing the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), Wilson said that one PPK each in Johor and Pahang are complete, nine are under construction, and the remaining four are in the procurement and planning stages.
He said the dual-function initiative introduced in 2023 aims to reduce dependence on schools as temporary relief centres (PPS) during disasters.
“(PPKs) are specially designed for use during disasters and are a community facility in normal times to avoid wasting public assets. This measure is also to ensure students’ school sessions are not disrupted due to floods,” he said during a special chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to Datuk Idris Ahmad’s (PN-Bagan Serai) question about the government’s plan to build PPKs equipped with basic facilities and more systematic emergency aid storage spaces.
He said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is in the process of obtaining allocations for the construction of PPKs nationwide.
According to him, each PPK is equipped with an open hall that can accommodate up to 500 victims, a dining hall block, a kitchen, a treatment room, toilets including those for people with disabilities (PWD), a surau, and a special user-friendly space to prevent emotional stress among vulnerable groups.
Answering additional questions about the selection and application criteria for PPKs, he said such facilities are currently focused on localities that frequently flood.
He added that construction proposals for PPKs are reviewed by State Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) before being submitted to NADMA for evaluation and approval.
As a short-term measure, Wilson Ugak said NADMA approved an allocation of RM4.44 million in April to upgrade facilities at 25 PPS under Education Ministry (MOE) premises.
He also said maintenance and minor repair aid of up to RM50,000 is provided for PPS activated after the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) to ensure preparedness for upcoming disasters.
“Disaster management should not be placed solely on NADMA’s shoulders; instead, it is a shared responsibility that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving the federal government, state governments, the private sector, and the community,” Wilson added.
