APM, JBPM in NS poised for floods

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan' branches of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) are ready to face the possibility of floods in the state including flash floods.
Moderate and often heavy rain since last week especially in the evening in several districts in the state prompted the agencies to take precautionary measures to ensure rescue operations would be at their best.
"For this, we have provided 300 personnel and eight boats as an early step to help people who will be affected by the disaster if it takes place.
"APM personnel will be mobilised in stages to carry out rescue operations and relocation work when floods takes place at a location," said State APM deputy director major Mohd Rohaidi Halim to Bernama here today.
He said a boat and an ambulance too would be stationed at the eight APM offices statewide to be mobilised as quickly as possible to provide emergency aid in the case of flood.
Negeri Sembilan JBPM assistant director (Operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said JBPM had provided 27 boats to be mobilised in the case of floods, in its early preparation.
He said 682 personnel has also been mobilised to help the public who were affected by floods.
"Currently, we are focusing our aid assets in the Gemas, Tampin area first as it is expected to be flooded first compared to other areas," he said.
Meanwhile, State Social Welfare Department (JKM) Mohamad Hapil said JKM had prepared flood relief centres with basic needs such as food, medicine and tents.
"We have also inspected 181 relief centres in terms of security and suitability as flood relief centres.
"We have also conducted meetings with village security and development committees, mosque committees and local communities to co-ordinate relief centres statewide," he said. — Bernama