KAJANG, Sept 20 (Bernama) — A total of 900 Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) members in Sabah, including volunteers, have been mobilised in response to various disaster incidents statewide due to the ongoing monsoon transition season.
APM Chief Commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed said that as of this morning, disaster incidents, including floods, landslides, and road disruptions, have impacted 1,136 residents in the Penampang, Membakut, and Papar districts.
“On normal days, we assign about 300 personnel throughout Sabah, but we have now increased it to 900 members, including volunteers, who will be mobilised in case of any incidents.
“Alhamdulillah, the number of victims is decreasing, and some have already returned home after sheltering at temporary evacuation centres,” he told reporters at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Civil Defence Training Academy (ALPHA) here today.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang officiated the celebration. ALPHA Commandant Colonel APM Roydee Abdul Rahman was present.
Aminurrahim said Malaysia is currently transitioning from the Southwest Monsoon (MBT) to the Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which is typically associated with an increased risk of flooding.
“At present, we have not yet entered the MTL, but if we look back at last year, Kedah had already experienced flooding before the start of the MTL, and this year we are seeing Sabah facing floods earlier,” he said.
He added that several technical agencies, including the Public Works Department and geology experts, have been mobilised to assess the current situation in the affected areas in Sabah to ensure that aid can be delivered quickly and effectively.
It was previously reported that continuous rain since last week had caused floods and landslides in several parts of the state, claiming 14 lives so far, including one due to flooding.
— BERNAMA
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