Penang JBPM identifies six landslide hotspots and steps up monitoring as Northeast Monsoon approaches, with 1,699 personnel on standby.
BATU KAWAN: The Penang Fire and Rescue Department has identified six landslide hotspots across the state ahead of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the hotspots are located in Seberang Perai Tengah, Barat Daya and Timur Laut districts.
“Based on our experience, whenever it rains, we not only have to deal with floods, but also other emergencies like fallen trees, landslides and so on,” he said.
He cited previous landslides in Balik Pulau and Paya Terubong areas within the Barat Daya district as examples of monsoon-related risks.
The department is paying serious attention to landslide threats following the 2018 Paya Terubong tragedy that claimed multiple lives.
Mohamad Shoki spoke after the state-level ceremony for handing over community boats and inspecting monsoon preparedness assets.
The Penang JBPM has 1,699 personnel on standby including auxiliary and volunteer firefighters for the monsoon season.
“Currently, all parties are facing a new reality of extreme weather conditions, rainfall that is hard to forecast and the rising risks of disasters,” he noted.
Since early October, the department has received 11 flood-related calls, five landslide reports and 41 fallen tree incidents.
Mohamad Shoki expects emergency calls to increase by 18% compared to last year’s Northeast Monsoon season.
State Local Government Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the state government is implementing 14 major flood mitigation projects.
The RM1 billion projects are funded jointly by state and federal governments and implemented in stages.
These include flood mitigation projects in Sungai Pinang, Sungai Kechil, Bayan Lepas and Air Itam.
The projects are expected to significantly reduce flood risks in areas frequently affected during monsoon seasons.
H’ng officiated the handing over of 10 community boats worth RM120,000 to Community Fire Brigades.
The brigade members have undergone intensive training in boat control, water rescue techniques and emergency management. – Bernama
