By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 7: Public-private partnerships, citizen training and centralised coordination will be key focus areas for Sarawak in strengthening disaster preparedness after the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) studied Japan’s internationally acclaimed disaster resilience model.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), the SDMC delegation led by Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah visited several disaster management institutions in Tokyo to learn how governance, innovation and community participation are integrated into disaster response systems.
At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the delegation observed how one of the world’s largest cities coordinates disaster preparedness across multiple agencies through centralised command centres, clear communication protocols and resilience planning that incorporates evacuation routes, emergency shelters and infrastructure safety.
The delegation then met with The Nippon Foundation to explore the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in disaster response. Discussions highlighted how NGOs mobilise volunteers, distribute aid and support vulnerable groups during crises, with public-private partnerships identified as critical in mobilising resources and accelerating recovery.
The study mission concluded at the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, where delegates underwent hands-on disaster simulations designed to prepare citizens for large-scale emergencies such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The facility emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of readiness, continuous public education and simulation-based training.
“Japan’s disaster management model shows us that resilience is built through governance, innovation, education and community participation.
“From Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s coordination to The Nippon Foundation’s community-driven initiatives and the hands-on training at Rinkai Park, we have seen how different approaches come together, prioritising saving lives,” Fatimah reportedly said.
She added that Sarawak can adapt these lessons to strengthen its own strategies, especially in addressing local hazards such as floods, landslides and health crises. — DayakDaily
