National AI Office collaborates with disaster agencies to develop AI-powered solutions for flood forecasting and emergency response under new national plan.
KUALA LUMPUR: The National AI Office (NAIO) is collaborating with several disaster management agencies to explore using artificial intelligence to strengthen the country’s disaster management capabilities.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiative includes partnerships with agencies like the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN).
He revealed that several engagement sessions and workshops with PRABN have already been held to draft initial AI proposals.
“This initiative is one of the AI Cities by 2030 programmes under the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the budget debate.
Gobind explained that each AI project has an initiative owner representing specific sectors who determines scope and outcomes.
These owners coordinate industry and academic involvement to develop technological solutions for identified problems.
Under the AI Cities initiative, NAIO works closely with disaster management agencies on AI implementation and government-wide mechanisms.
The minister said NAIO serves as central coordinator for ministries, agencies and industry partners.
This coordination addresses obstacles related to data, regulations and resources while providing regular updates to the Council for the Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The initiative forms part of the National AI Action Plan 2030, focusing on high-impact projects under Budget 2026.
“The main focus is to activate implementation of high-impact AI projects in strategic sectors,” Gobind said.
These sectors include health, transportation, agriculture, public services, MSMEs and smart cities requiring specialised expertise.
Commenting on digital transformation challenges, Gobind said obstacles can be overcome through coordination and data utilisation.
He stressed that every ministry, agency and local authority should connect data to achieve the AI Nation pattern.
This coordination includes digitising information and creating data-sharing platforms for inter-ministerial issues.
The Dewan Rakyat later passed the ministry’s estimated operating and development expenditure of RM1.36 billion for Budget 2026.
The allocation was approved with majority support after being debated by seven Members of Parliament.
