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Ministry to develop SMS-alert tsunami warning system
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The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry is set to develop a special system that will provide early information on tsunamis via SMS, said its minister Yeo Bee Yin.

Speaking at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu, she said the warning system, among others, would provide information regarding tsunamis to the public via SMS on the risk location.

Yeo said the warning system will be implemented in collaboration with the Meteorological Department to enable all parties, including foreign tourists, to obtain information on impending disasters.

"I also suggested that the Meteorological Department studies how the tsunami warning system via SMS can be expanded. Currently, we need an SMS warning system for tsunamis, and after that a warning system for other disasters.

"This SMS warning system will send tsunami alerts to mobile phones based on the location at risk of the disaster,” she said.

Earlier, Yeo and her deputy Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, who were on a working visit to Sabah, met with Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Yeo also noted that her ministry wanted the department to carry out regular emergency exercises using the tsunami warning siren system installed at 56 locations nationwide that were identified as being at risk.

According to her, the move was necessary to raise awareness, understanding and public knowledge of the function of the alert system and the sound of sirens in providing initial information regarding the natural disaster.

“Currently, all 56 sirens have been inspected and all work well, however, the people still do not know the function of the siren when it is sounded, and therefore emergency exercise drills should be implemented,” she said.

In another development, Yeo said her ministry would set up a special committee to formulate action plans to investigate in detail and to resolve the issue of landslides in Cameron Highlands.

However, the special committee was still in the discussion level and will be announced later, she said when asked to comment on reports of land clearing in Cameron Highlands which was getting worse.

- Bernama

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