Scuba units, firefighters working closely with DBKL’s task force in tackling floods in city
ON A Tuesday morning at 10am, the Hang Tuah Fire and Rescue Station in Jalan Hang Tuah, Kuala Lumpur, was buzzing with activity.
As the largest station of the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department in the capital city, Hang Tuah station was in the midst of a new recruit training session.
Aspiring firefighters were being readied to face various obstacle courses to test their endurance and stamina.
Yet, it was the team quietly training beside two High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) boats at the station’s rear that drew attention.
Preparing for a rescue mission includes ensuring rescue gear and boat engines are in working condition. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star & courtesy pix from KL Fire and Rescue Department
These firefighters’ uniforms bear a special arm patch with the words “PPDA”, the acronym for Pasukan Penyelamat Di Air, indicating that they are trained in underwater rescue.
This is the department’s scuba unit, which the agency takes pride in.
The men were seen meticulously checking and rechecking their equipment.
Swiftwater rescue kits, life rafts, life jackets, harnesses, tethers, scuba suits, tanks – all underwent scrutiny to ensure operational readiness.
The KL Fire Department rescue squad helping to evacuate flood victims in Johor in March.
But what sets these individuals apart? A multitude of reasons.
When floods occur in the city centre, not every rescue can be executed by wading through floodwaters or deploying large boats.
The urban landscape of Kuala Lumpur with its electrical poles, electrical substations, structures like lamp posts, traffic lights, cars, houses or temporary stalls, pose a multitude of challenges.
Prepared for action: Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department personnel checking boats and rescue equipment to ensure they are in good condition for emergency response. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Navigating these hazards demands specialised training and expertise – attributes possessed by the fire department’s scuba squad.
“We have 21 highly skilled divers, trained not only in firefighting but also in water-rescue efforts,” said Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Services division deputy director of operations M. Fatta M. Amin.
“In the event of a natural disaster, under the National Security Council Directive No.20 (MKN20), the police will take the lead as the incident commander while the deputy incident commander will be the Fire and Rescue Department.”
The MKN20 is related to the policy and mechanism of national disaster management that defines the roles and responsibilities of each Disaster Management Committee at every level.
“Both coordinate with the other agencies, including the state governments for the period before, during and after the disaster to integrate rescue efforts and mitigate the effects of the disaster.”
Flood-prone areas
Fatta said the department’s proactive approach are especially in flood-prone areas identified by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
With 73 flash flood hotspots in Kuala Lumpur, teams are often positioned on-site before the onset of rainfall, as exemplified in the recent Kampung Periuk flash flood incident.
Department personnel evacuating flood victims from their home at Kampung Periuk near Kampung Baru last month.
“At these hotspots, we have noticed that during and after a thunderstorm, water tends to rise very fast and recede just as quickly, which is common in the city.”
Fatta recounted the incident at Kampung Periuk near Kampung Baru, when the nearby Sungai Bonus overflowed its banks and flooded the village, displacing at least 19 people.
“We were able to rescue people, including a disabled couple who was trapped.”
Fatta urges residents in flood-prone areas to call for help as soon as they notice water levels rising.
Fatta said the department worked closely with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) flood task force chaired by the mayor.
“I am impressed with DBKL – it has done a lot of good work to tackle floods in the city.”
Fatta was referring to measures by DBKL such as installing pumps in flood-prone areas to channel out excess stagnant water as well as desilting or cleaning traps at retention ponds, rivers and major drains.
Anticipating the impact of the north-east monsoon, which will last until February, Fatta said the fire department’s rescue squad will continue its rigorous training.
The KL Fire and Rescue Department’s scuba unit has 21 divers on 24-hour standby for nationwide deployment.
Regular checks are carried out to ensure the readiness of equipment, machinery, boat engines, scuba sets, wet suits and related supplies.
Training extended to endurance exercises in DBKL-owned swimming pools and Klang Valley lakes, with knowledge-sharing sessions involving other agencies like DBKL.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department has 938 firefighters trained in basic search and rescue across its 20 fire stations.
The scuba unit meticulously checking the rescue equipment.
However, the specialised team called Gerak Cepat, comprising the scuba unit’s 21 expert divers and three drivers, are on 24-hour standby, ready for deployment to flood-prone areas nationwide during the monsoon season.
A crucial aspect of the team’s training is to ensure the vehicles used for rescue missions are in working order.
Managing and operating these assets are part of the job.
The Fire and Rescue Department is an agency under the Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) and has the largest, most expensive assets that are essential for fire and rescue missions.
A significant portion of these assets, aside from fire engines and fire-fighting equipment, includes rescue gear such as boats and scuba equipment used in flood-rescue missions.
Mohamad showing the special arm patch that indicates that he’s trained in underwater rescue.
Titiwangsa Fire Station chief Mohamad Ridzuan said, “Not all boats are suitable for rescue missions, especially in area where floodwaters are rising while we are at lower ground.
“In such cases, we deploy smaller boats. For more confined areas like KL, we use aluminium boats that are lightweight and well suited for rescue operations in housing areas.”
The department also use HDPE boats, chosen for their durability depending on the circumstances.
“We also have amphibious boats capable of operating on both dry and wet ground,” Mohamad said, adding that these were used in Johor during a major rescue mission in March.
Call 999 immediately
Emphasising the importance of early intervention, Fatta urged residents in flood-prone areas to call the 999 emergency number as soon as they notice water levels rising.
“Don’t wait until the water has risen up to the knee or waist.”
Referring to the occasional prank calls received by the emergency line, Fatta said these false alarms were seen as learning opportunities.
“We never let it bother us because it’s always an opportunity for our fire truck drivers to learn and familiarise themselves with new and faster routes. This will mean getting to a site faster and saving lives when a real emergency occurs.”
Area familiarisation
He also advised residents to familiarise themselves with their surroundings and identify potential hazards.
“I also would like to advise city folk, especially those living in flood-prone areas to go outside their homes and get familiar with the surroundings.
“Look out for the TNB substations, manholes, monsoon drains and stay away from these places during floods. Also report any uncovered manholes to local authorities.
“When an area is flooded, these areas will be imperceptible and more risky.”
Fatta also asked residents to get to know their immediate neighbours, especially the elderly and disabled who may not have access to help in times of emergency.
“We appreciate all the help we can get, so help us to help you.”
