Nor Hisham (second left) with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (right) at IFCEM 2024 on Oct 22. – BERNAMApic
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) will impose a partial leave freeze as part of preparations for the north-east monsoon.
Director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department has informed its personnel of the partial freeze in the areas involved.
"I plan to target certain areas (for the leave freeze) according to the direction of the monsoon.
"It would not be fair to do this in states that are not affected by floods, but if the situation becomes critical, a total freeze may be imposed to support the teams in affected areas," he told reporters at the opening of the International Fire Conference and Exhibition Malaysia 2024 (IFCEM 2024) here on Tuesday (Oct 22).
Malaysia is still in the monsoon transition phase, which started on Sept 24 and is expected to continue until the beginning of November.
The floods that hit several states recently are believed to be the result of the transition phase.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip was also reported to have said that he expects the north-east monsoon to occur early next month based on climatological factors.
Nor Hisham said MetMalaysia has reviewed the hotspots and forward bases in preparation for bad weather conditions.
"We have reviewed the focus areas and are proceeding with the plan set out, including the establishment of rapid response teams in 22 locations.
"We are also focusing on forward bases with logistics located at Wakaf Tapai in Terengganu and Ayer Hitam in Johor, rather than focusing too much on Penang this time (for the floods)," he said.
He said the department is also coordinating with police and other agencies based on instructions from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
"Nadma has issued Instruction No. 1, a clear disaster management framework. It stipulates that (Bomba) will (be forward commander) in any incident.
"We have also held two series of training sessions with fire station chiefs to strengthen the implementation of Nadma's directive in all stations," he said. – Bernama
