On high alert: The Fire and Rescue Department rescuing a flood victim during a demonstration in anticipation of the upcoming northeast monsoon at Pekan Riverfront in Pahang. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 6,000 flood-prone areas in 163 districts nationwide have been identified, with the northeast monsoon expected to arrive earlier this year.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said over 61,000 personnel from five agencies are on standby for deployment.
“Careful planning was done as the northeast monsoon is expected to start earlier from next month to March next year.
“High-risk areas in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak have been identified including 5,648 hotspots in 163 districts nationwide,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Razarudin said Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali had been appointed the central disaster operations commander.
In the event of floods, the police were ready to deploy its assets including 503 boats, 497 lorries, 17 ambulances and vans, 15 jet skis, 6,028 life jackets, as well as eight aircraft, he added.
“We are working closely with other agencies including the armed forces, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force and Rela to ensure rescue and aid missions can be conducted swiftly.”
He said 19,085 police personnel were ready while the armed forces would deploy 4,205 personnel.
“The Fire and Rescue Department has also arranged for 24,114 personnel to be deployed while 10,510 Civil Defence Force personnel are involved,” he said, adding that Rela would deploy 3,925 personnel.
“Those living in high-risk areas are advised to cooperate and comply with any instructions from the authorities, especially if orders to evacuate are given,” he said.
