IPOH: The Perak Fire and Rescue Department is prepared to deploy its teams to the East Coast to assist with flood aid operations caused by the northeast monsoon season.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon stated that three teams, from the Bagan Serai, Kuala Kangsar, and Tapah fire departments, are ready to be dispatched.
"As of now, the severely affected state is Kelantan. If Perak is ordered to send a few teams to the East Coast, then we will do so. We will also stand by with several teams in Perak.
"If we send aid to affected states, we also need to be on standby for our state, and we may move the shift work mode from 12 to 24 hours," she said at the Perak Fire and Rescue Department's monthly gathering and the retirees appreciation ceremony on Tuesday (Nov 28).
However, Sayani mentioned that there has been no implementation of 24-hour shifts or leave freezes yet.
"So far, there is no need for that action yet. If there is a need, we will do it. It depends on the modus operandi," she said.
In preparation for the northeast monsoon season, 332 potential flood hotspots have been identified in the state.
These hotspots include 76 locations in Kuala Kangsar, 59 in Kinta, 59 in Kerian, 57 in Larut Matang and Selama, 18 in Hilir Perak, 15 in Hulu Perak, 14 in Batang Padang, nine in Bagan Datuk, eight in Muallim, eight in Perak Tengah, five in Manjung, and four in Kampar.
Sayani advised organisers and businesses involved in water-related activities to temporarily halt such offerings during the monsoon season.
"We hope that there should be alertness regarding public safety, especially when it involves their lives.
"The public should also remain alert during this season, avoiding any water-related activities, especially during the upcoming school holidays," she added.
The northeast monsoon season spans from November 2024 to March 2025.
