Program to raise awareness on earthquake, tsunami in Lahad Datu
LAHAD DATU: The community living in risk-prone areas for disasters such as tsunami and earthquake have been reminded to always be alert and to take preparatory steps in advance to face any eventualities.
Science, Technology and Innvovation (MOSTI) Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau said early preparation could reduce the impact of disasters in terms of loss of life and damage to property.
Madius said this at the opening ceremony of the Public Awareness on Earthquake and Tsunami program organized by MOSTI with the cooperation of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
“This two-day programme is among the initiatives taken by MOSTI with NADMA to create awareness and educate the people, especially in Lahad Datu to face any eventuality of disaster.
“Lahad Datu was selected as it is a risky area for earthquakes and has experienced one with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter Scale in 1976 which damaged the infrastructure and buildings here,” he said.
This year, Lahad Datu also experienced two weak earthquakes in February and March.
According to Madius, following the earthquake in Ranau on June 5, last year, the government approved RM15 million allocation to strengthen the earthquake monitoring and detection system in Sabah.
“This amount includes 15 new seismic stations in which five are located in Mount Kinabalu areas, two in Lahad Datu and another eight in other places in Sabah.
“The federal government has also placed 53 tsunami sirens in strategic places throughout the country to accelerate the delivery of tsunami warning to the people,” he added.
Meanwhile, the two-day programme was highlighted with various activities including a forum, dialogue session, open talk and exercise.
Also present were MOSTI Head Secretary, Dato’ Sri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur, NADMA Head Director, Dato’ Zaiton Abd Samad, Lahad Datu assemblyman, Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal, Meteorology Department Head Director, Dato’ Che Gayah Ismail and District Officer, Iman Ali.