She said the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) could benefit from Japan’s experience in managing disasters.
“This includes training and the sharing of know-how in a number of areas, such as early warning technology, to help to predict and prepare for disasters, and advance planning on how to deal with major disasters,” she said at a joint press conference with Japan’s ambassador to Malaysia Makio Miyagawa, who paid her a courtesy call at her office here.
Wan Azizah said Japan already had a comprehensive response system in the event of a major earthquake.
“Besides that, (we need) expertise on disaster-risk reduction to help us mitigate disasters from an early stage as well as organise large-scale exercises to develop our disaster response readiness,” she said.
Wan Azizah, who is also women, family and community development minister, said Malaysia could also seek support from Japan in dealing with the ageing population and development of women leaders.
She said Malaysia could learn more about the social protection policies which Japan uses to manage its ageing population.
“We also discussed the possibility of having bilateral training and exchanges in the area of women leadership development. I am happy to know that Japan continues to be committed to supporting us and working closely with us. I trust we will continue to have a mutually beneficial relationship,” she said.
Miyagawa, meanwhile, said his discussion with Wan Azizah had been fruitful.
He said Japan was ready to offer technology, know-how and expertise on disaster management, including early flood detection.
He also said that Japan would share its experience and help Malaysia deal with its ageing population even though it was not yet an acute problem.
“We would be very happy to continue this engagement to offer human resource development, transfer of technology and collaboration with Malaysian local industries so that Malaysia can become a good leader in Southeast Asia,” he said.