Poised for action: Members of Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) undergoing a rescue drill using the ‘technical rope rescue’ at Santuari Gajah, Tasik Kenyir in Hulu Terengganu. - Bernama
Public urged to be vigilant as monsoon season begins
GEORGE TOWN: Recreational activities at waterfalls or in the sea should be avoided during the northeast monsoon season, says the Civil Defence Force (APM).
Its state director Lt-Kol (PA) Ishak Mohd Radzi said those who love outdoor activities should also be on the alert for water surges and landslides, especially in the hills and near rivers.
“People should be vigilant and follow the news about weather patterns.
“They can get the right information from the Malaysian Meteorological Department or follow the news on television or the radio from time to time,” he said when met at state APM headquarters here yesterday.
Lt-Kol Ishak said residents living in flood hotspots should prepare a “ready to go” bag for emergencies.
“They can put all their important documents, basic items, dry food, phone chargers and a set of clothes into a bag and take it with them to relief centres during emergencies,” he said, adding that the public should always follow instructions from the relevant authorities to relocate during floods.
On the agency’s part, he said about 850 officers and personnel have been put on standby, while 40 land vehicles and 67 amphibious vehicles and boats were also prepared.
STORM members strapping a ‘victim’ onto a stretcher during the rescue drill. — Bernama
“The monsoon season will start anytime now until next March. The public can contact us at 04-228 9012 or 04-226 3876 in case of emergencies,” he added.
Separately, 61,839 personnel from five federal agencies including the police will be deployed to face any problems during the monsoon season.
In a statement recently, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said this included 19,085 from the police, 4,205 from the armed forces, 24,144 from the Fire and Rescue Department, 10,510 from APM and 3,925 from Rela.
He said the police will mobilise their assets which comprise 503 boats, 206 boat trailers, 497 lorries, 802 four-wheel drive vehicles, 15 personal watercraft, 17 ambulances, 6,028 life jackets and eight aircraft.
“The police together with other security agencies will always take immediate action in flood-affected areas.
“Communities, especially those living in flood-prone areas, are advised to cooperate and comply with instructions,” he said.
Razarudin said Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali has been appointed the commander for the central disaster operation.
He said the police had identified high-risk states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak as well as 5,648 flood hotspots in 163 districts.
He added that the identification of hotspots and high-risk states will enable the agencies to prepare for all eventualities during the monsoon.
