DPM: Govt mulling sinking fund for industries to reduce impact of disasters

PUCHONG (Oct 8): The government is considering the creation of a “sinking fund” to increase industry player's responsibility in managing and restoring disasters in the country, according to a Malay Mail article today.

The report quoting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry was studying the idea which is meant to get various government bodies, the private sector, NGOs and individuals to share the burden of dealing with incidents such as fire, haze, and chemical pollution as well as make clean-up and relief coordination efforts to be much more efficient.

“Implementing the fund will also mean industry players will have to contribute to its operating costs, as well as towards the management of any disasters and the subsequent restoration efforts,” Dr Wan Azizah said after launching the National Preparedness Month 2019 at the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team in Pulau Meranti.

“It is still too early to say more, so now it is up to the ministry to see how it can be best carried out, or if the fund is to be tabled in Parliament as law,” she said.

The event also saw the launch of the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) campaign, which she encouraged everyone contribute by donating funds.

“At present any donations towards disasters is managed by various parties, with no coordination.

“Therefore this fund will assist the government in streamlining any aid contributed, in a transparent and honest manner,” Wan Azizah said.

She added all NDRF donations will be placed in the Kumpulan Wang Amanah Bantuan Bencana Negara, to be used when necessary.

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