The MADANI Government has agreed to establish a National Disaster Management Council, which will include all state leaders as permanent members, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. The move reflects a broader effort to strengthen coordination between federal and state authorities in facing increasingly complex disaster challenges.
Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, said the decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He noted that the council’s secretariat will be handled by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), ensuring structured oversight and streamlined disaster response mechanisms nationwide.
He explained that the council will comprise all Menteri Besar, Chief Ministers, and the Premier of Sarawak as permanent members. Meetings are expected to take place shortly after the regular Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers’ meetings, reinforcing continuous engagement between leaders on disaster preparedness and response.
In a related development, the Cabinet was also briefed on the extension of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had earlier announced that the initiative will now run until the end of 2027, signalling the government’s long-term commitment to revitalising the tourism sector.
Fahmi added that Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing highlighted concerns over challenges faced by industries such as aviation and hospitality. These sectors, he said, must be carefully managed to prevent significant impact from the ongoing global energy crisis and conflicts in West Asia.
Separately, the Cabinet expressed its condolences to the family of former Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik, who passed away last Saturday. Fahmi described him as one of the country’s longest-serving Transport Ministers, having contributed 17 years of service and leaving behind a lasting legacy in Malaysia’s transport development.
He added that the Cabinet had also reviewed several arrangements to be extended to Ling’s family as a mark of respect following his passing, underscoring the government’s recognition of his service to the nation.
