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COUNTRY REPORT
MALAYSIA
The 10th ASEAN & Japan High Level Officials
Meeting on Caring Societies:
“National Framework and Practices for Socially
Vulnerable Groups in case Where Natural Disaster
Hits Malaysia”
23-25 October 2012
Tokyo, Japan
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SECTION 1
FOLLOW UP ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 9TH HIGH LEVEL
OFFICIALS MEETING – “HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE
SECTORS OF WELFARE AND HEALTH ~ WITH A FOCUS ON CAPACITY
BUILDING OF SERVICE PROVIDERS AND EMPLOYABILITY PROMOTION OF
VULNERABLE PEOPLE”
1.1 The 9th High Level Officials Meeting adopted the following recommendations
to be implemented both at the regional and national level by the participating
countries:
10 Recommendations:
i. To identify challenges and needs of vulnerable people in each Member
State in strengthening HRD programs for government officials, services
providers, health and social workers, community volunteers to provide
accessible, affordable and quality of health and welfare services. In
addition, these human resources need to be properly allocated and
distributed to alleviate urban and rural disparities;
ii. To facilitate a holistic approach that includes the active participation of
responsible government officials from both national and local levels,
relevant civil society groups, and the target population in policy
formulation, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
These approaches should be consistent with relevant sectoral policies
including health, social welfare and labour and also considered
mutually complementary in order to improve the quality of life of the
vulnerable;
iii. To promote collaboration among health, social welfare and labour
sectors for the vulnerable people, including the
strengthening/establishing of national committees charged with
developing and adopting cohesive cross-sectoral policies and actions;
iv. To promote Public Private People Partnership (PPPP) in providing a
supportive environment for the vulnerable groups to optimize their
potential;
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v. To adopt the “People-Centered Approach” to ensure that individuals,
families and communities are served by and able to participate in
trusted systems which respond to their needs in humane and holistic
ways in all settings across the health, social welfare and labour sectors,
at all times;
vi. To protect human dignity and promote decent and productive work for
older persons, people with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable
groups, equitable access to opportunity and appropriate channeling or
referral to services and treatment should be promoted;
vii. To enhance the functional integration of the vulnerable people into
communities, especially older persons and PWDs, by documenting
best practices and supporting effective approaches in community
based social welfare services;
viii. To recall and reaffirm the commitments made by the AMS in existing
Declarations and frameworks;
ix. To have a cross sectoral policy dialogue and develop common
language at the ASEAN level among sectoral bodies on health, social
welfare, and labour, including ASEAN Conference on Civil Service
Matters;
x. To advocate health, social welfare and labour issues in human
resource development agenda through effective communication, media
campaign and public education.
ADDRESING THE ISSUES AND PROMOTING EMPLOYABILITY AMONG THE
VULNARABLE GROUPS
The Tenth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-10) 2011-2015
1.2 The economic policies pursued since the last four decades, underpinned by the
development philosophy of growth with distribution, provided decades of outstanding
economic performance. This resulted in significant poverty reduction, more balanced
economic participation and wider coverage of essential services such as healthcare
and education nationwide.
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1.3 Despite these successes, there remain vulnerable sections of the population
due to their low income or disadvantaged circumstances. Therefore, an inclusive
development approach that broadens the ability of Malaysians to participate in and
benefit from economic development was established.
1.4 Under The Tenth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-10) 2011-2015, it will encapsulate the
spirit of 1Malaysia to create a fair and socially just society with national unity as its
ultimate objective. A fair and socially just society is where all people, with no
exception, have the rights, freedom, and capacity to access services and resources
to enhance their well being, and where the most disadvantaged are given extra
support to ensure such success.
1.5 In addressing the issues of capacity building and employability of vulnerable
people, the Government through RMKe-10 has set a target to ensure that
inclusiveness will be addressed from multiple angles. From the social perspective
angle, inclusive programmes will be created to ensure that disadvantaged groups
such as the disabled are supported, to be valued participants in society and where
necessary, adequately assisted to raise their quality of life.
1.6 One strategy undertaken in The Tenth Malaysia Plan is through
“Strengthening Social Safety Net to Reduce Vulnerability of Disadvantaged Groups”.
Social protection programmes will be strengthened to ensure immediate issues
impacting the living standards of disadvantaged groups are addressed. The focus
will be on ensuring that the target groups have acceptable accommodation, have
access to medical care and are able to purchase basic living necessities and
services. Among the various programmes created in order to address this issue are
as follows:
i. Providing housing assistance programmes to deserving poor
households in rural and urban areas - through assistance and CSR
programmes;
ii. Providing income support, subsidies and improved access to health
care – through restructuring of subsidies programmes, KAR1SMA
programme – an income support for the vulnerable groups under the
Department of Social Welfare and establishment of 1Malaysia Clinics
under the Ministry of Health.
1.7 To equip the poor and extreme poor with the means to increase their income,
programmes were intensified to build up the capabilities of these groups and create
jobs for them. The Low Income Households NKRA was introduced with aims to
completely eradicate hardcore poverty, reduce the incidence of poverty and enhance
the productivity of low-income households. Efforts undertaken included 1AZAM
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programme to create jobs through a mixture of employment and entrepreneurship
(social enterprise and productive welfare). Four initiatives under 1AZAM programme
were identified as follow:
i. AZAM Tani (to provide economic resources to enable the poor to
venture into agricultural and agro-based activities);
ii. AZAM Niaga (opportunities provided to the poor to start up small
business);
iii. AZAM Khidmat (opportunities provided to the poor to venture into
service sector or self-employed); and
iv. AZAM Kerja (offers employment opportunities to the poor through job
matching or job placement).
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: PROMOTING COLLABORATION AMONG
HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE AND LABOUR SECTORS FOR THE VULNERABLE
PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE STRENGTHENING / ESTABLISHING OF NATIONAL
COMMITTEES CHARGED WITH DEVELOPING AND ADOPTING COHESIVE
CROSS-SECTORAL POLICIES AND ACTIONS
1.8 The rapid pace of social development and the growing demands of the
vulnerable groups have grown compared to 20 years ago. Acknowledging that the
issues related to vulnerable people are multidimensional, a closer collaboration and
coordination between welfare, health and labour sectors is being strengthened.
1.9 Various mechanisms have been established at the national level charged with
developing and adopting cohesive cross-sectoral policies and actions. Among the
national committees addressing the issues of specific vulnerable groups comprising
the welfare, health and labour agencies are:
Establishment of National Council for PWDs
1.10 National Council for Persons with Disabilities was established in July 2008, as
constituted under Clause 3 of the Disabled Persons Act 2008. The Council is chaired
by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development with regular meeting
of at least at least 3 times a year.
1.11 Under the Council, six (6) committees were established and headed by
various Ministries/Agencies as follows:
i. Committee on Health and Quality Life Care – chaired by Secretary
General, Ministry of Health;
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ii. Committee on Employment – chaired by Secretary General, Ministry of
Human Resource (labour);
iii. Committee on Transportation – chaired by Secretary General, Ministry
of Transport;
iv. Committee on Education – chaired by Secretary General, Ministry of
Education;
v. Committee on Registration of PWDs – chaired by Secretary General,
Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development; and
vi. Committee on Access to Built Environment and Universal Design –
chaired by Secretary General, Ministry of Women, Family and
Community Development.
1.12 The Council was tasked to:
i. oversee, coordinate, monitor, evaluate and review implementations of
the Policy and National Plan of Action for PWDs;
ii. develop programmes and strategies to raise awareness, promote
positive perception and foster respect for the rights and dignity of
PWDs;
iii. promote employment opportunities and career advancement for PWDs;
and
iv. review existing laws, makes recommendations for amendments and
propose new laws to secure full and effective participation in society for
PWDs.
Establishment of Consultative and Advisory Council for Older Persons
1.13 Membership in the Council is composed of representatives from relevant
Ministries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and experts in fields
related to the elderly. The Council is chaired by Y.B. Minister of Women, Family and
Community Development. The Council will receive a report of the Technical
Committee and is also responsible for the allocation to implement the Plan of Action
for Older Persons.
1.14 Under the Council, seven (7) committees were formed comprising the Ministry
of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resource and others. Among the
issues discussed in the Council including financial security, employment, health, care
and protection, the environment, public transport and safety net for the elderly poor
and needy.
1.15 The Council also suggested a few other things related to retirement, tax
incentives for employers who employ senior citizens, free cataract and dental
treatment for the elderly poor and amendments to the Employees Provident Fund
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Act to enable the full contribution made by those aged 55 years and above and still
work.
REPORTING GOOD PRACTICES ON CAPACITY BUILDING OF SERVICE
PROVIDERS IN HEALTH AND WELFARE SECTORS AND EMPLOYABILITY
PROMOTION OF THE VULNERABLE PEOPLE ~ JOB COACH
Overview
1.16 During the 9th ASEAN and Japan High Level Official Meeting, Malaysia
presented a case study on the collaborative effort between health, labour and
welfare sectors in addressing the issue of employment among the PWDs.
Employment is a big challenge facing the PWDs. Many qualified persons with
disabilities are unable to find suitable employment. This is due to reluctance of
employers to provide them opportunities. Most employers perceive persons with
disabilities are unable to work, unproductive and unemployable. In instances where
persons with disabilities are employed, the turnover rate is high.
Problem Analysis
1.17 It has been reported that about 60% of persons with disabilities that ware
successfully placed by the Ministry of Human Resources in various sectors left their
job within six month of their placement. Besides lack of accessibility in the work
place, majority left the job due to their inability to perform according to their job
description, unable to make adjustment to the work environment and unable to meet
the high expectations of their employers.
Strategy Pursued
1.18 The initial part of the project (2005 to 2008) was focused on capacity building
and raising awareness on supported employment and job coaching. Personnel from
both government as well as private sectors were sent to Japan under the
sponsorship of JICA to be trained as job coaches. Second phase of the project (2009
– 2012) is focusing on the implementation and placement of PWDs in the labour
sector.
1.19 As of August 2012, 22 personnel which consist of 7 officers from the
Department of Social Welfare, 4 from the Social Security Organization, 4 from the
Department of Labour, 6 from various non-governmental organizations and 1 from
the private sector namely GCH Retails were trained. In addition, 90 social welfare
officers were also trained locally. JICA also sent experts from Japan to carry out
training and awareness programmes on Job Coaching in Malaysia.
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Milestones Achieved
1.20 Since the launching of the project, various improvement of policies and
services of supported employment for PWDs has been successfully introduced and
implemented as follows:
i. the introduction of Circular No.3/2010 of Human Resource
Development Fund (HRDF) to subsidise JC training & JC service
provision;
ii. allowances for the Job Coaches. (maximum 60 hours [RM 900.00] in 6
month per person)
iii. appointment of State Officer in charge on Job Coach (at each state
office of the DSW);
iv. Introduced three (3) training modules in Job Coach – 5 days basic
course, 3 days introductory course and 3 days introductory course for
private sector. As of August 2012, 453 persons have been trained and
participate in 15 Job Coach training courses;
v. Publishing four (4) resource book on Job Coach in English and Bahasa
Malaysia (Malay Language) :
a. A New Approach to Promote Employment of PWDs;
b. Job Coach : A Practical Guide on Job Coaching;
c. Introduction to Job Coach : Sustaining Employment of PWDs;
and
d. Job Coach : Satu Pendekatan Baru Dalam Mempromosikan
Pekerjaan Kepada OKU (A New Approach in Promoting
Employment to PWDs).
vi. Improving the network and smart partnerships on supported
employment with the participation NGOs and private sectors – 5 NGOs
(Malaysian Care, United Voice, Cheshire Home Selangor, Beautiful
Gate Foundation and CBR Network) and various private sectors (Mydin,
GCH Retail, Intercontinental Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel, Crown Palaza
Hotel, Omron, KFC Holdings, Shell and others)
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SECTION 2
NATIONAL FRAMEWORK AND PRACTICES FOR SOCIALLY VULNERABLE
GROUPS IN CASE WHERE NATURAL DISASTER HITS MALAYSIA
Background Information of Malaysia
General Information
2.1 Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia. There are two distinct parts
to this country being Peninsular Malaysia to the West and East Malaysia to the east.
The total land area of Malaysia is 329,847 square kilometres. The total population of
Malaysia in the year 2010 was 28.3 million.
2.2 Malaysia is geographically located just outside the “Pacific Rim of Fire” and is
generally free from severe natural disasters such as earthquake, volcanic eruption
and typhoon. Although Malaysia is spared from the threats of severe natural
disasters and calamities, Malaysia is nonetheless not spared from other disasters
such as flood, man-made disaster, landslide and severe haze episodes.
2.3 In the past few years, Malaysia has experienced several extreme weather and
climatic events, ranging from freak thunderstorms to monsoonal floods which have
caused havoc in the country. Monsoonal floods are an annual occurrence which
varies in terms of severity, place and time of occurrences. The 2010 flooding in
Kedah and Perlis was among the worst flood experienced by the country. The total
economic loss on the government was enormous. Other than flooding, the country
also from time to time, experienced some man-made disasters, which caused
considerable damage to properties and loss of live.
Definition of Disaster in the context of Malaysia
2.4 Disaster is defined as an incident that occurs in a sudden manner, complex in
nature, resulting in the loss of lives, damages to property or the environment as well
as affecting the daily activities of the local community. Such incident requires the
handling of resources, equipment, frequency and extensive manpower from various
agencies as well as effective coordination and the possibility of demanding complex
actions over a long period of time.
National Policies
2.5 In Malaysia, the National Security Council (NSC) under the Prime Minister‟s
Department is the principal policy making and coordinating body for disaster
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management. The NSC coordinates and plans all activities related to disaster
preparedness, prevention, response/relief operations and recovery/rehabilitation.
2.6 The National Security Council Directive (NSC) No. 20 (Revised): The Policy
and Mechanism for National Disaster Management is the main guideline for disaster
management in Malaysia. The directive prescribes the mechanism for the
management of disasters including the responsibilities and functions of related
agencies under an integrated emergency management system. This is achieved
through the establishment of The Disaster Management Committee at three different
levels (district, state and central levels) pending the severity of the disaster. At the
Federal level, this committee is chaired by the Minister appointed by the Prime
Minister. The directive is supported by other Standard Operating Procedures which
outline the mechanism as well as roles and responsibility of various agencies for
specific disasters, i.e. flood; open burning, forest fire, haze, industrial disasters etc.
Disaster Management Level
2.7 Disaster management is handled according to the level of incident based on
the definition of disaster as mentioned above as well as the following elements:
i. Level I Disaster
Management and handling of the disaster that occurred in an area and
it can be dealt with effectively by the agencies involved in disaster
management at the District Level, without or with a limited assistance
from outside.
ii. Level II Disaster
Management and handling of the disaster that occurs in more than one
district in the same state that requires a pooling of resources at the
state level with minimum involvement from central level.
iii. Level III Disaster
Management and handling of the disaster that occurs in more than one
state or complex nature requiring coordination and mobilization of
resources at the federal level or from foreign countries.
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Platforms for Disaster Management Level/Executive Committee
2.8 Disaster level depends on the assessment of the Authority at District/ State/
Central level in order to determine the management or to recommend takeover of
disaster management by a higher level.
2.9 The Disaster Management Level/ Executive Committees set up are as
follows:
i. This District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) - For Level I
Disaster;
The DDMC which is chaired by the District Officer shall be activated in
order to ensure that all actions with regard to the search and rescue
operations, taking over and preparation of equipment and machinery,
as well as other emergency assistance, such as food, medication can
be coordinated smoothly and efficiently.
On receiving a disaster report, the Officer In-Charge of Police District
(OCPD) and the Chief of the District Fire Brigade will take the
necessary actions, assisted by the Main Rescue Agencies, Supporting
Rescue Agencies as well as other agencies and Voluntary Bodies
responsible for providing relief and rehabilitation to disaster victims.
The OCPD becomes Commander and Chief of the District Fire and
Rescue Department becomes Deputy Commander of Disaster
Operations.
ii. The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) - For Level II
Disaster;
The SDMC which is chaired by the State Secretary shall be activated in
order to ascertain that all actions in disaster management are
implemented in a smooth and coordinated manner. For the Federal
Territory, the Chairman of SDMC is Secretary General of Federal
Territories and Urban Wellbeing.
The managing and handling of Level II Disaster shall be taken over by
The Authority at State Level as a whole or by mobilizing certain
resources under the control of State Level. Chief Police Officer (CPO)
of the State and Director of State Fire and Rescue Department shall be
the Commander and Deputy Commander of Disaster Operations,
respectively at this level.
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iii. Central Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) - For Level III
Disaster.
The CDMC which is chaired by the Honourable Minister appointed by
the Honourable Prime Minister shall be activated in order to ensure that
all matters pertaining to the policy and decision on search and rescue
efforts and relief operations to victims and others are implemented in a
coordinated, efficient and effective manner.
The Director of Internal Security and Public Order of the Royal
Malaysia Police (RMP) as well as the Deputy Director General of
Operations of the Fire and Rescue Department shall respectively be
the Commander and Deputy Commander of Disaster Operations.
Structure of the National Security Council
List of Departments and Government Agencies:
i. Search and Rescue Team - considered fist line of duty in disaster
management. Members are Fire and Rescue Department, Royal
Malaysia Police, Malaysia Armed Forces, Special Malaysia Disaster
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Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), Emergency Medical Services,
Atomic Energy Licensing Board and Civil Defence Department.
ii. Health and Medical - management of emergency treatment, forensic
services and management of public health. Members are Emergency
Medical Services, Malaysian Armed Forces, National Red Crescent
Society and St. John Ambulance.
iii. Support - logistic report, communication and other assistance for
smooth control of operation. Those involved are district office,
municipal/town councils, TNB, Telekom, Royal Malaysian Police,
Armed Forces and Public Works Department.
iv. Security Control - Provide control at the scene of incident, conduct
investigation and facilitate communication. Members are Royal
Malaysian Police and Malaysia People‟s Volunteer Corps.
v. Media - Press coverage, electronic and media coverage. Members are
Information Department and Broadcasting Department.
Responsible Agencies in Disaster Management
2.10 Agencies that responsible for disaster management are divided into two (2)
categories:-
i. Rescue Agencies; and
ii. Relief and Rehabilitation agencies.
2.11 Rescue Agencies, namely The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and
Rescue Team (SMART), The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), The Fire and Rescue
Department of Malaysia, The Malaysian Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, The Civil
Defence Department and any special team set up by the government agency which
has special expertise to carry out its duties together with the rescue agencies.
2.12 Relief and Rehabilitation agencies, namely The Social Welfare Department,
The Public Works Department, The Department of Information, The Malaysian
Voluntary Corps (RELA), The Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), The
Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), The National Energy Limited (TNB), The
Malaysian Telecommunication Limited (Telekom Malaysia), Ministry of Tourism, and
any other agency, private sector or voluntary bodies.
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The Welfare and Health in Disaster Management
2.13 In Malaysia‟s public sector, welfare and health services are provided by two
different ministries. Hence, the information on welfare and health services is reported
separately.
Responsibilities of the Social Welfare Department
2.14 The Social Welfare Department is an agency under the Ministry of Women,
Family and Community Development. Victims of natural disaster is one of the main
target group under the Social Welfare Department as well as other target groups
such as persons with disabilities, older persons, family and children.
2.15 Roles and responsibilities of the Social Welfare Department are subject to the
direction from The National Security Council Directive (NSC) No. 20 (Revised): The
Policy and Mechanism for National Disaster Management. The roles and
responsibilities as below:-
i. To provide and manage relief/evacuation centers and forward-supply
bases.
ii. To prepare and distribute food, clothing and other essential items to the
affected victims.
iii. To register the disaster victims for the purpose of rehabilitation.
iv. To provide guidance, advice / counseling services to the affected
victims.
Responsibilities of the Ministry of Health
2.16 The roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Health are subject to “The
National Security Council (NSC) Directive No. 20 (Revised): The Policy and
Mechanism for National Disaster Management”. The roles and responsibilities are as
follows:-
The Emergency and Rescue Services
i. To provide special emergency treatment services during rescue
operations by cooperating with other rescue agencies.
ii. To provide emergency treatment services for trapped victims.
iii. To provide ambulance, pre-hospital and transportation services.
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Medical Base Services
i. To provide emergency treatment services for victims and rescuers.
ii. To coordinate emergency and medical treatment provided by various
related agencies.
iii. To coordinate transportation of victims to identified hospitals for further
treatment.
iv. To provide and coordinate psycho-social trauma services rendered to
victims and rescuers.
v. To provide specialist forensic services, including identification, corpse
management and evidence documentation.
vi. To manage corpses in the field mortuary (if any) and hospital.
vii. To assess and coordinate field hospital needs.
Public Health Services
i. To evaluate and determine the impact of the disaster according to the
public health needs.
ii. To recommend and implement public health activities in preventing or
reducing mortality and morbidity, resulting from disaster related
injuries or diseases.
iii. To provide public health services to the local community after a
disaster.
iv. Cooperation and collaboration with other agencies to ensure the
continuation of primary care, public health services, including mental
health, to the affected population.
Responsibilities of the Ministry of Human Resources
2.17 In the event of natural disasters in Malaysia, the Ministry of Human Resources
implements several programmes and activities related to job placement and job
sustainability for the workers which include the socially vulnerable groups.
2.18 In cases where natural disasters prevent workers from attending to work, such as
during major floods or haze, the employers are urged to pay the workers‟ wages for the
whole duration they are unable to work due to the disasters. This is a form of amicable
settlement since workers affected by the disasters were forced to be absent under
unforeseen circumstances.
2.19 Employment Regulation (Termination and Lay Off Benefit) 1980 sets out the
right of workers to payment of termination benefits in the event of termination of
contract of service for any reason, including natural disasters such as floods and
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fires. In this context, workers include PWDs and the elderly who have served the
employer for more than a year.
2.20 Employers who operate on agricultural land (or better known as „estates‟), mines or
place of employment covering an area of 20 hectares or more outside of the City Council,
Municipal or Federal Territory are subject to The Minimum Standards of Housing and
Amenities Act 1990. This act requires employers to provide minimum standards of housing,
child care centre, hospital, medical, health and social facilities for workers and their
dependents. In cases where a natural disaster damages the workers‟ houses and other
facilities in the estates, the employers are liable under this act to rectify the damages and
provide minimum standards of housing as stipulated by this act.
2.21 In the event of natural disasters which cause loss of employment, the ministry serves
to place job seekers including PWDs and the elderly through JobsMalaysia Portal or Job
Placement Programmes. Job placement programmes will be conducted all across Malaysia
to expedite employment process for those who were affected by natural disasters especially
the socially vulnerable groups.
SECTION 3 ACTUAL PRACTICES: MANAGEMENT OF EVACUATION CENTRE
3.1 The Social Welfare Department roles and responsibilities in disaster
management consist of three levels, namely:-
i. Preparedness Stage
ii. Response Stage
iii. Recovery/Restoration Stage
Preparedness Stage
i. The Social Welfare Department has a list of officers on standby at all
District, State and Centre Level and can be contacted at any time in
case of disaster.
ii. The Social Welfare Department is responsible for identifying suitable
evacuation centres. The criteria and guidelines for the selection of
evacuation centres are as follows:
a. The building has enough space and is safe to use in terms of
structure.
b. Location / position are safe from potential disaster area.
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c. Facilities and basic amenities such as water supply, electricity
and etc.
iii. Currently, the Social Welfare Department has identified a total of 5,156
evacuation centres located in each district across the country with a
capacity that can cater for up to 1.4 million people.
iv. The Social Welfare Department also identify the list of suppliers of
goods, rationing and other related needs. Currently, the number of
suppliers is of 1,115 suppliers.
v. The storage of items for evacuation centres, the Social Welfare
Department has five (5) Depot for storage while 477 Stockpiles are
specifically for remote areas. The Depot are located by zones,
namely:-
a. Depot Bedong - North Zone
b. Depot Muar - South Zone
c. Depot Sungai Buloh - Middle Zone
d. Depot Kemumin - East Zone 1
e. Depot Marang - East Zone 2
vi. The Stockpiles means store / place of storage of food supplies and the
needs of disaster victims in high-risk areas particularly those identified
to be inaccessible during disaster. These Stockpiles are well prepared
and stocked by the Department all year round.
vii. Establish and coordinate task force of volunteers registered with the
Social Welfare Department and other voluntary organizations. The
current registered volunteers are 5,923. The Social Welfare
Department also provides courses/training to volunteers on disaster
management.
Response Stage
i. Upon getting instructions to open Disaster Evacuation Centres from
Chairman District Disaster or Disaster Operations Commander, the
Social Welfare Department is responsible for organizing disaster
evacuation centres to perform the following functions:-
a. Registration of disaster victims;
b. Distribution of food, clothing, blankets, mats and other
necessities;
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c. Coordinate and mobilize a task force of volunteers to assist in
registration, cooking, food distribution work etc.;
d. Organize suitable activities for the evacuees in the evacuation
centres such as indoor games, religious activity, motivational
talk, storytelling for children etc.;
e. Provide advice, guidance and „post-trauma‟ counselling services
to victims suffering from trauma, depressions etc.
ii. Roles and duties of the Social Welfare Department while in the disaster
evacuation centre is as follows:
Evacuation Centres will be managed by a committee which is made up
of local leaders, volunteers, community members, government
agencies, private sector and other agencies and headed by local
leaders. To facilitate the implementation of Disaster Evacuation
Centres, several Sub-Committees have been formed under this
Committee, namely: -
a. Subcommittee on Registration of Disaster Victims;
b. Subcommittee on Needs and Food Supply;
c. Subcommittee on Cleanliness;
d. Subcommittee on Safety and Health;
e. Subcommittee on Activities.
Subcommittee on Registration of Disaster Victims
i. There are three different counters at the evacuation centre namely: -
a. Registration Counter for Disaster victims;
b. Registration Counter for Persons with Disabilities and older
persons;
c. Information Counters
Subcommittee on Needs and Food Supply
i. Division of duties is as follows:-
a. Preparation of meals and menu settings of at least 4 meals a
day - breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner;
b. Scheduling cooking tasks;
c. To ensure that the quantity of raw materials is sufficient in
Evacuation Centres;
d. To distribute supplies to disaster victims.
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ii. Work closely with The Subcommittee on Registration of Disaster
Victims to coordinate supplies and food provided.
iii. To ensure a balanced diet and the supply of food in Evacuation
Centres is sufficient.
iv. To ensure hygienic food preparation.
v. Ensure that each of the victims are given the proper attention in terms
of food supply especially to:
(a) Infants and Children;
(b) Pregnant Women and Postnatal Mothers;
(c) Older Persons;
(d) Chronically ill victims.
vi. To monitor the process of food preparation and food quality in
Evacuation Centres through collaboration with the Ministry of Health
Malaysia (MOH).
vii. Coordinate volunteers from The Malaysian Red Crescent Society
(MRCS) and other volunteers in food preparation area such as:
(a) Distributing food to disaster victims
(b) Cleanliness of food preparation area
Subcommittee on Cleanliness
i. Maintain cleanliness in Evacuation Centres.
ii. To ensure visible proper signage and specific prohibitions are
displayed in Evacuation Centres. For example, "No Smoking", female
toilet, male toilet, prayer rooms, etc.
Subcommittee on Safety and Health
i. To create a perimeter of Evacuation Centres.
ii. Schedule Security Patrol in the Evacuation Centres.
iii. Control and secure the movement of the victims and personnel in and
out of the Evacuation Centre.
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iv. Traffic Control and Road Safety Control.
v. Ensure that first-aid kit is always available and sufficient.
Subcommittee on Activities
i. Ensure various programmes are held to provide activities for the
victims whilst in the Evacuation Centre to reduce depression and
effects of trauma.
ii. Among the activities are indoor or outdoor activities, handicraft,
watching video or television, religious activities, motivational activities
etc.
Recovery/Restoration Stage
i. During Recovery / Restoration Stage, the Social Welfare Department is
responsible:
To evaluate the damages involved, including the damage to houses,
crops and livestock.
a. To propose and draw up appropriate rehabilitation
programmes/plans.
b. To provide “short-term” or “long-term” relief/aid from the existing
financial aid schemes.
Short Term Assistance Plan
Food supplies for 3 to 7 days will be provided to family members returning to
their homes. They will also be provided with hygiene and cleaning kit items.
Long Term Assistance Plan
6 types of recovery financial aid:
Type of Assistance
Financial Aid
(a) Schooling i. Stationery - RM50 (USD 15.367) per person
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ii. Uniforms - RM70 (USD 21.93) per person
(b) Clothing RM70 (USD 21.93) per person
(c) Family RM40 (USD 12.54) per person
(d) Essential needs
for home/kitchen
(e)
RM100 (USD 31.33) per family
(f) Repair houses Maximum RM2,500 (USD 782.21)
(g) Recovering
Small Scale
Business
Maximum RM3,000 (USD 939.61) per person
Note: Every Family : Maximum RM5,000 (USD 1,567.67)
In addition, the Government also consider humanitarian assistance to farmers
who had lost source of income.
Disaster Management Financial Aid Expenditure
3.2 According to records of the Social Welfare Department, the highest amount
spent on disaster management was in 2007 where a total of RM11.4 million (USD
3.6 million) was spent. The following years, the expenditure amounted to RM2.4
million (USD 751,000) in 2008, RM6 million (USD1.9 million) in 2009, RM4.7 million
(USD1.5 million) in 2010 and RM5.6 million (USD 1.8 million) in 2011.
Inter Agency Collaboration/Coordination
3.3 The Social Welfare Department has also been working together with Ministry
of Health to provide the following services to victims during natural disaster;
i. Emergency and Medical services includes:
a. Management of emergency cases.
b. Management of Non-Communicable Diseases such as diabetes
and hypertension among disaster victims.
c. Management of maternal and child health.
ii. Public health services includes:
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a. Health education to raise awareness and knowledge on
preventive measures.
b. Prevention and control of infectious diseases and epidemics.
3.4 Apart from that, collaboration with several other government agencies, private
sector and volunteers are also as important.
Agencies Networking Cooperation
The Royal Malaysia
Police (RMP)
(i) Responsible for the safety of the evacuation centers.
The Civil Defence
Department Malaysia
(i) Help maintain evacuation centers and distributing
food to disaster victims.
(ii) Assist delivery of food ingredients and needs to
evacuation centers.
The Malaysian Voluntary
Corps (RELA)
(i) Work together to prepare and distribute food to
disaster victims and workers who handle disasters.
(ii) Help provide disaster evacuation.
(iii)Responsible for the safety of the evacuation centers.
Ministry of Tourism (i) Register and manage the welfare of foreign tourists
who are victims of disaster.
The Malaysian Red
Crescent Society (MRCS)
(i) Maintenance of evacuation centers, cooking and
serving food, distributing essential items such as
clothing, blankets, carry out the registration of
disaster victims.
Statutory Bodies, Private
Sector, Voluntary Bodies
and Individuals
(i) Assistance in distribution if aid in the form of
essentials/necessities for disaster victims and
disaster workers through The Department Social
Welfare.
(ii) Assist in humanitarian tasks which include
maintenance of evacuation centers, cooking and
serving food, distributing essential items such as
food, blankets, carry out the registration and
rehabilitation to the disaster victims.
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Challenges faced and recommendations to other communities and countries
for replication
Challenges Recommendations
Corporate Social Responsibility
(CRS)
(i) Engaging the private sector in disaster
management should be seen as a strategic
public-private partnership. It should go
beyond just as a social responsibility.
Companies should be ready to be fully
committed in being a part of disaster
management.
(i) Counseling should be a continuous service
given to the victims hence having counseling
as an integral part of the disaster
management especially during and after
disaster is crucial.
(i) The Social Welfare Department accelerates
the process of providing financial aid to
disaster victims.
4. CONCLUSION
The success and effectiveness of disaster management depends on the cooperation,
understanding and capabilities of all the agencies in fulfilling their responsibilities.
More importantly, a sustainable disaster management involves an outreach
approach and inter-agency collaboration as well as support from the private sector,
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the community.
Various efforts are being carried out by the government through relevant agencies
including NGOs to ensure that vulnerable groups are not marginalized or left behind
in the efforts of the country moving towards a caring society.
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