(Kuala Lumpur, 5th) Thailand has agreed that if a dam within its territory needs to release water, it will notify Malaysia at least 3 to 4 days in advance, so that our country can prepare to respond to the rising water levels of the Golok River in Kelantan.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that he reached this agreement during a meeting with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin on the sidelines of the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Geneva today.
He said in a statement that this initiative is crucial to ensure that Malaysia has enough time to prepare and to issue early warning alerts to the affected residents, especially those living in the Golok River Basin, to respond to the northeast monsoon expected to start in November this year.
"Thank God, this proposal has been accepted and agreed upon by the Thai side. Both parties will establish an early warning mechanism to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of both countries.
"This is an important preliminary measure, followed by other subsequent actions to further enhance the effectiveness of disaster preparedness efforts."
He pointed out that with the completion of Thailand's flood control projects, the abnormal rise in water levels in the Golok River and the Malaysia-Thai border areas, the subsequent water release from the dams, resulted in severe flooding within Malaysia and damage to levee structures.
As a result, the water level in Kelantan has already exceeded normal levels."
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, welcomed the signing of the agreement for the second bridge project at Rantau Panjang-Golok and the expected commencement of the Golok River estuary dredging and levee construction in October this year.
"I believe all the measures agreed upon today reflect the strong commitment of both countries in enhancing disaster preparedness and border security.
"May the close relationship between Malaysia and Thailand continue to strengthen for the benefit of both nations."
Ahmad Zahid is currently leading the Malaysian delegation attending the two-day global disaster reduction platform meeting, which opened yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that he reached this agreement during a meeting with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin on the sidelines of the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Geneva today.
He said in a statement that this initiative is crucial to ensure that Malaysia has enough time to prepare and to issue early warning alerts to the affected residents, especially those living in the Golok River Basin, to respond to the northeast monsoon expected to start in November this year.
"Thank God, this proposal has been accepted and agreed upon by the Thai side. Both parties will establish an early warning mechanism to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of both countries.
"This is an important preliminary measure, followed by other subsequent actions to further enhance the effectiveness of disaster preparedness efforts."
He pointed out that with the completion of Thailand's flood control projects, the abnormal rise in water levels in the Golok River and the Malaysia-Thai border areas, the subsequent water release from the dams, resulted in severe flooding within Malaysia and damage to levee structures.
As a result, the water level in Kelantan has already exceeded normal levels."
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, welcomed the signing of the agreement for the second bridge project at Rantau Panjang-Golok and the expected commencement of the Golok River estuary dredging and levee construction in October this year.
"I believe all the measures agreed upon today reflect the strong commitment of both countries in enhancing disaster preparedness and border security.
"May the close relationship between Malaysia and Thailand continue to strengthen for the benefit of both nations."
Ahmad Zahid is currently leading the Malaysian delegation attending the two-day global disaster reduction platform meeting, which opened yesterday.