A FLOOD-preparedness workshop was held at Kampung Chinggung Orang Asli Village in Behrang, Muallim in Perak.

The two-day workshop saw the participation of 37 people, including representatives from seven villages in the constituency and relevant governmental agencies.

The programme was organised by National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), Petronas Foundation, Civil Defence Force, Muallim Land Office, Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) and Global Environment Centre.

Muallim district officer Mohd Sabli Bakri said the programme was held with the aim of empowering the local community and preparing them to face natural disasters.

Kampung Chinggung was among the locations in Perak badly hit by floods in December last year, with about 400 villagers displaced.

Behrang assemblyman Salina Samsudin said it was important for locals, including the Orang Asli community, living near flood-prone areas to know how to respond during such disasters.

“Our constituency has many rivers and low-lying areas, and often faces flash floods.

“It is important to strengthen the resilience of the local community, including the Orang Asli folk, who live near flood-prone areas, so that they can respond before external assistance arrives.”

She said early preparation by all parties was key to being able to help senior folk, people with disabilities, children, babies and bedridden chronic patients in such situations.

She expressed hope that more of such programmes would be held to prepare the people to respond during an emergency situation.

During the workshop, apart from talks on preparing for floods, participants were taught how to prepare a “grab bag” or 72-hour emergency kit, which could save lives in critical moments before help arrived.