The proposal paper on the bill to amend the name of Malaysia Civil Defence Department (JPAM) to Malaysia Civil Defence Force (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia) will be tabled to the cabinet soon.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim said another proposal paper under the PM's Department that would be tabled to the Cabinet was on the National Security Council (MKN) bill.

He said the bills were drawn up to enhance the role of both institutions.

"The JPAM bill is necessary considering that it has over 865,000 volunteers across the country," he told reporters after the closing of a training session on 'Preparedness in facing floods', at the Kampung Suasa Hall, about 25km from Beaufort in Sabah today.

Also present were JPAM director-general Zaitun Ab Samad, Lumadan assemblyperson Datuk Kamarlin Ombi, and Beaufort Umno division chief Isnin Aliasnih.

On the preparations in facing floods, Shahidan said suitable locations were being identified as food collection centres to be managed by the Social Welfare Department in flood-prone areas to facilitate food aid distribution.

He said the National Disaster Management Agency (APBN) had also made preparations in facing floods, with enough assets to be deployed.

"What is also important is that from now on, the community leaders must be prepared in facing floods in their respective areas," he added.

At a separate event today, Shahidan handed over contributions to the family of Fazilah Onong, a JPAM member who died in a fire that razed her house last Thursday.

- Bernama