GENTING HIGHLANDS: Over 16,000 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department are on high alert ahead of the northeast monsoon, following downpours and floods in various parts of the country.
According to Department Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, the latest rainfall patterns had caused floods in Kedah and several other states, prompting the department to mobilise its entire workforce and 8,000 volunteer firefighters earlier than usual.
All state and district teams, he said, had received instructions to discuss detailed action plans and measures to handle any disaster scenario.
“Our marine and logistics assets are on standby, ready to be deployed to flood-hit areas.
“This includes more than 500 marine vessels and 450 transport lorries,” he told Bernama after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gohtong Jaya Fire and Rescue Station here yesterday by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Also present was Genting Malaysia Bhd deputy chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
Nor Hisham said the department is in a better position to respond this year due to improved resource allocations and ongoing repairs of machinery and transport vehicles.
“Once these preparations are complete, I am confident our readiness will be significantly enhanced,” he added.
MetMalaysia has predicted that the 2024/2025 northeast monsoon will begin in November and continue until March 2025, with four to six episodes of prolonged heavy rainfall during that period.
Heavy rainfall is likely to impact Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang between November and December, with Johor, Sabah and Sarawak experiencing increased rainfall from December through January as well.
Nor Hisham said a department-owned helicopter will be stationed in Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu, as part of flood preparations for the east coast states, while other assets will be deployed based on the severity of the floods.
In order to ensure smooth rescue operations, he said the department is prepared to mobilise all of its personnel, including volunteer firefighters, to affected areas when necessary.
He also announced the freezing of leave for officers in disaster- prone districts, as well as the adjustment of shifts from the standard 12-hour rotation to 24-hour shifts.
Nor Hisham also advised the public to reconsider visits to water-based recreational areas during the northeast monsoon season.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and stay informed of weather updates to avoid being caught in incidents such as landslides or flash floods, particularly when participating in outdoor activities near waterfalls or hillside areas.
