| Azlan Othman |
HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday emphasised the importance of collecting disaster management data regularly as a realistic base to know whether the Disaster Management Council is on the right platform to reach the aspirated target.
“It can measure the effectiveness of relevant action plans,” His Royal Highness said.
Delivering a sabda at the first meeting of the National Disaster Council for this year at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness who is also the Chairman of the Council, expressed high hopes on the comprehensive strategic basic framework that is implemented to drive disaster management initiatives in the country effectively.
His Royal Highness also emphasised the need to look at recent developments at the regional Asean level and internationally, especially in learning best practices from countries that already have similar frameworks and proven their effectiveness in handling various types of disasters. His Royal Highness added, “Under the wise and blessed leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the government has introduced meaningful changes to ensure sustainability of development and improve quality of life for all the people in the country.
“Brunei Darussalam continues to see progress in various areas which will contribute to the country’s economic sustainability as well as strengthen security and enhance prosperity towards achieving the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.”
Upon arrival at the meeting, His Royal Highness was welcomed by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, who is also the Deputy Chairman (Permanent) of the National Disaster Council.
The minister in his speech said the presence of His Royal Highness reflects his continuous engagement in and serious attention to issues relating to disaster management in Brunei Darussalam.
He also highlighted the country’s involvement in disaster management activities at national, regional and international levels last year.
The National Disaster Council meeting was held to discuss efforts to support the strategic framework on disaster risk reduction and increase capacity and the country’s resilience to cope with disasters.
The meeting also saw a presentation on the recent developments on Multi-Agency Implementation Action Plan in the Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2012-2025 (SNAP); briefings on laws on disaster management, gaps in the National Standard Operating Procedures and link between National Security Coordination Centre (NSCC) and the National Disaster Council; and a report on the level of awareness and public preparation for disasters.
The post Data key to success of disaster management appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.