KLANG, Nov 1 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has mobilised 15,620 personnel and 983 land and marine assets nationwide in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon, expected to begin before mid-November and continue until March next year.
JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said comprehensive preparations have been made, including logistical readiness at fire stations in affected areas, with 3,683 flood hotspot locations identified across the country.
“The East Coast states recorded the highest number of flood hotspots, with Pahang having 760 locations, followed by Kelantan (618) and Terengganu (460),” he told reporters after visiting the Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station for the Flood Operations Logistics Testing and Inspection Day here today.
Also present was Selangor JBPM director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail.
Apart from the East Coast, other states with a high number of flood-prone areas include Sabah with 517 hotspots, Johor (343), Perak (280) and Negeri Sembilan (123), he said.
Nor Hisham said the department would also give special attention to densely populated urban areas, as flood operations there pose unique challenges.
“Due to high population density and uniform housing layouts, floodwaters in urban areas rise quickly and can fill residential zones faster, making rescue operations more difficult.
“Urban floods also cause traffic congestion. While residents try to leave affected areas, rescue teams must enter them, creating opposing movements that complicate operations,” he said.
He said weather forecasts indicate the upcoming monsoon season will be within normal levels for most parts of the country, although certain areas in Sabah are expected to experience above-average rainfall.
At present, JBPM has not imposed a leave freeze on its personnel, but the number of staff allowed on leave at any given time is limited to 20 per cent, Nor Hisham added. — Bernama
