On the lookout: Civil Defence Force personnel wading through floodwaters in Kedah.
ALOR SETAR: The state disaster operations control centre has been activated in preparation for the monsoon transition phase, which is expected to start today and last until early November, says executive councillor Mejar (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria.
The Kedah housing, local government and health committee chairman said the centre would operate in collaboration with various agencies and departments to ensure assistance for the public during disasters such as floods and storms.
Mansor said agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency, the National Security Council, the Civil Defence Force and the Fire and Rescue Department would work together to a ensure high level of preparedness.
“We have acted early, the control centre in Kedah is operational even in the absence of disasters or minor incidents.
“In the event of major incidents, we activate the centre in each district, led by district officers,” he said when asked on the state’s preparation for the anticipated monsoon transition phase, Bernama reported.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the monsoon transition phase is expected to bring winds from various directions across the country.
This situation may lead to thunderstorms that typically bring heavy rain and strong winds for short durations, particularly in the evenings in most areas of the west and interior of the peninsula, as well as in west Sabah and west and central Sarawak.
On the threat of trees being uprooted by strong winds or storms, Mansor said he has instructed local councils to monitor trees that are at risk of falling.
“We cannot simply cut down these trees as they were planted to withstand the wind and enhance the landscape.
“However, if a tree is leaning to the extent that it endangers safety, potentially causing injury or damaging property, we will cut it down,” he added.
