KOTA BARU: The Fire and Rescue Department has confirmed that a volunteer firefighting team from Kedah is among Malaysian responders mobilised to assist Malaysians stranded in Hat Yai, Thailand.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said one Malaysian volunteer team was still stranded in Dannok due to rising floodwaters.
“The volunteer team from Malaysia is currently stuck in Dannok.
“The team from Kedah went to Hat Yai to assist Malaysians who were stranded there due to the flood,” he said.
On another matter, Nor Hisham said the department had activated its assets earlier this year based on advance weather forecasts.
“Certainly, we are prepared for the worst floods.
“Our strategy for 2025 emphasises early mobilisation of our Quick Response Teams and activation of Regional Forward Bases.
“We will not wait for floods to happen before deploying assets,” he said.
Based on the department’s operational monitoring over the past 48 hours, he said five states had recorded flood incidents, with a total of 72 cases.
He said Kelantan recorded the highest number with 33 incidents, followed by Perlis (15), Perak (12), Kedah (four), Penang (two) and Selangor (one).
“In the 48-hour period, the department carried out operations in five states, rescuing and relocating 484 victims nationwide.
“Kelantan recorded the highest number at 297 victims, with operations concentrated in Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang.
“Other states are Perlis with 110 victims, Kedah (47), Selangor (26) and Penang (four),” he added.
He said the department remains on high alert as continuous rainfall is expected to persist, with teams on standby across the country and along the northern border.
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