Interesting exhibit: Mohammad Hamdan (right) visiting an exhibition booth during the opening of a seminar on the Uniform Building By-Law (Amendment 2021) at Persada International Convention Centre in Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: Local authorities should put a temporary stop to recreational activities in high-risk areas such as mountains, hills, rivers and beaches, because of the monsoon season, says the Fire and Rescue Department director-general.
“We understand that it’s the year-end holiday now, so many families are planning for leisurely activities in certain areas, but we hope that such plans be deferred for a while as a precaution,” said Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.
“Areas at risk of water surge phenomena, large waves, and even flash floods, in particular need to be given more attention to ensure no unwanted incidents,” he added.
Mohammad Hamdan said 4,795 flood hotspot locations have been identified throughout Malaysia, including 186 for water surges and 254 for critical slopes.
The Fire and Rescue Department was also monitoring the floods currently affecting 14 districts in five states, with over 2,700 people placed in 22 temporary flood relief centres.
Sarawak has the most flood hotspots with a total of 1,034 locations, followed by Kelantan (595), Pahang (554), Sabah (520) and Johor (432), he told reporters here yesterday.
Mohammad Hamdan also said the department had made the necessary preparations, including making sure all its assets were in working order to carry out rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Johor Fire and Rescue Department acting director Mohd Rizal Buang urged parents to keep a close watch on their children.
“The monsoon season will bring in heavy rainfalls, strong winds, waves, and even water surges. It is better to avoid such places now,” he said.
