Government allocates RM57 million for flood response and announces reforms to cut drug-testing times and improve public service efficiency
PUTRAJAYA: A structured flood-management agenda for national preparedness dominated discussions at the 10th Special Task Force on Agency Reform meeting today.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar chaired the session focusing on the 2025/2026 Northeast Monsoon season.
The National Disaster Management Agency briefed members on current flood situations affecting several states and displacing thousands to relief centres.
The government has allocated RM57 million for compassionate aid and disaster-response efforts to support affected victims.
Rescue assets and logistics were mobilised early in anticipation of unusually heavy rainfall from the La Niña phenomenon.
Beyond flood preparedness, STAR reviewed high-impact measures to enhance public service efficiency nationwide.
A new model will boost drug-testing laboratory capacity through Health Ministry facility upgrades and Chemistry Department expansion.
Regulated use of private laboratories will shorten test-verification periods from 60-90 days to just 10 days.
The Communications Ministry presented plans to strengthen Corporate Communication Units across all government agencies.
A two-month study will design a more robust communication model responsive to media and public demands.
STAR also reviewed the forthcoming Circular on Government Service Efficiency Commitments supporting Act 867 enforcement from December 1.
The circular will serve as primary reference to reduce at least 25% of regulatory burden while strengthening public sector accountability.
Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform implementation will enhance discipline across government services.
Shamsul Azri stressed that reforms must translate into tangible outcomes that directly benefit citizens.
“Reform is a necessity,” he said. “What matters is not merely policy, but the results that people can feel through government actions that are swift, accurate and impactful.” – Bernama
