UMS ready to offer expertise in facing natural disasters
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is ready to cooperate with the state government in facing natural disasters, including the recent earthquake incident.
Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah said UMS through its Natural Disaster Research Centre established in 2006, was prepared to play a role by conducting studies and surveys, subsequently providing accurate information and useful advice to the people of Sabah.
According to him, the centre had also set up a research committee following the earthquake on June 5 to study the phenomenon more closely.
"Among the fields studied are science of earthquakes, landslides, mud floods, river water quality, physical impact of earthquakes to buildings, as well as the psychological impact on local residents," he said in a statementhere yesterday.
Harun said the setting up of the committee also corresponded with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman's statement, inviting cooperation from all parties in facing natural disasters.
He said the preliminary investigation found that the landslides and mud floods caused by the earthquake were responsible for the rivers to be filled with debris, and not toxic waste as claimed by certain quarters.
Harun also advised the public to stop spreading inaccurate information on the social media.
According to him, the Natural Disaster Research Centre would also be holding a series of seminars to educate the public on earthquakes and their effects from the end of this month.
It will be held at Dewan Resital of UMS on June 30, in Kundasang on July 7 and Kota Belud on July 14, and extended to other areas as and when needed, he said.