PUTRAJAYA, 10 APRIL — Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster management following a high-level meeting in Putrajaya yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he received a courtesy call from Brunei’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, who is currently leading a delegation on a working visit to Malaysia.
According to Zahid, the meeting provided a meaningful platform to enhance collaboration between Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and Brunei’s National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in expertise sharing, capacity building, and the implementation of joint disaster response exercises.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s recent establishment of the National Disaster Management Council (MPBN), which was approved by the Cabinet to improve coordination at the national level. In addition, Zahid emphasised ongoing initiatives such as National Preparedness Month, aimed at fostering a culture of disaster readiness among the public.
Malaysia, he said, remains committed to supporting Brunei’s efforts to obtain international recognition under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). This includes continued assistance from Malaysia’s Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), particularly in enhancing urban search and rescue (USAR) capabilities.
Both countries agreed to further strengthen joint training programmes and cross-border coordination, including the development of clearer standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure faster and more coordinated responses during disasters, especially in border areas.
“Insya-Allah, this close cooperation will continue to grow stronger,” Zahid said, adding that the next NADMA-NDMC bilateral meeting is scheduled to take place in Langkawi next July.
— Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris
— Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi
