MPS welcome special disaster law

KUALA LUMPUR: Backbenchers and opposition members of parliament (MP) have welcomed the government's proposal to create a special law on disaster management to enable orderly management of disasters.
Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (BN-Masjid Tanah) said the special law was needed to facilitate disaster management and at the same time, ensure no one took advantage of any chaotic situation, as had occurred during the floods last December in the East Coast.
"The special law on disaster management will also ensure there is no overlapping jurisdiction among the authorities during the disaster management operations," she told Bernama at the Dewan Rakyat lobby here today.
Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (PKR-Kuala Langat) said such law would surely make the disaster management process more effective and most importantly, it would benefit disaster victims.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, during his working visit to Japan said the Malaysian Government was considering a new structure, as well as special laws for better management of disasters.
He said currently, matters pertaining to disasters came under the purview of the National Security Council (NSC) because they were related to security, but the burden became too heavy during disasters.
For Kepong-DAP MP, Dr Tan Seng Giaw, the proposal marks the government effort to seek effective measures in handling disaster management.
However, the government should pay attention to the effectiveness of special law enforcement if it became a reality, he said.
Batu Gajah-DAP MP, V. Sivakumar said the special law should be considered by the Dewan Rakyat since it was a good effort to help the people.
"I think this is the right time to have a special disaster management law so that every department and agency will know how to manage situations when faced with disasters, in line with the standard operating procedures.
Bachok-PAS MP, Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the law should benefit all parties involved. – Bernama