KANOWIT – Flood preparedness has been described as a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of both government agencies and the wider community.
This message was reinforced during the Kanowit District Flood Disaster Management Table-Top Exercise (TTX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX) 2025, held from 4 to 5 November.
The programme, organised ahead of the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season, brought together 100 participants from multiple agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Kanowit District Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), Department of Social Welfare (JKM), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Rural Water Supply (JBALB), RELA, and SESCO Berhad.
Ngemah State Assemblyman (ADUN) Anyi Jana, who officiated the closing ceremony, said the exercise demonstrated the seriousness and readiness of district-level agencies in facing potential flood threats.
He explained that the training not only tested the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) but also evaluated the coordination and communication between agencies.
“Every improvement identified during this exercise will serve as a valuable guide when responding to real emergencies,” he said.
Anyi highlighted that the TTX allowed management teams to assess strategies and make critical decisions in a simulated operations room, while the FTX translated those strategies into practical field actions.
He stressed that Kanowit’s geographical setting, with its network of major rivers, makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, requiring a high level of preparedness and organisation.
He added that the training has increased the confidence and efficiency of all parties involved, from the early warning stage to rescue operations and post-disaster recovery.
The assemblyman also urged the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to expand the MyIBJKM registration system in Kanowit to improve logistical support during disasters. He further suggested that the Malaysian Information Department intensify efforts to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness.
The event was attended by Kanowit District Officer Jackline August, who also chairs the Kanowit District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), along with Political Secretary to the Minister of National Unity Dr Stephen William, Inspector Uthman Affan Abdoll Kader representing the Kanowit District Police Chief, and Major Mohd Reduan Aini from the JPBD Secretariat.
The exercise follows recent efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness in Kanowit, including the establishment of new operational centres and evacuation facilities.
With the monsoon season approaching, officials emphasised that community cooperation, inter-agency coordination and early preparedness remain the most effective tools in reducing flood risks and safeguarding lives.
