Government activates nationwide flood preparedness with 3,682 hotspots identified, military on standby, and telecom upgrades for monsoon season
PUTRAJAYA: The government has intensified nationwide preparations for the Northeast Monsoon, which commenced yesterday, with enhanced coordination across multiple agencies including the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the military’s participation has been activated and remains on standby for deployment under Operation Murni.
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has identified 3,682 flood hotspots across the country requiring special monitoring.
Additionally, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience has flagged 254 critical slopes for attention during the monsoon period.
Infrastructure preparations include 1,768 hydrology stations, 614 flood-warning sirens, and 285 pump houses being readied nationwide.
“Additional mobile pumps have been deployed,” Fahmi stated during a post-Cabinet press conference.
“Several dams have also been flagged – if water levels exceed critical thresholds, intervention measures will be taken to ensure the safety of nearby residents.”
Telecommunications upgrades have been implemented on several towers to prevent service disruptions during flooding events.
“These upgrades include raising equipment previously located at ground level to prevent them from being submerged,” Fahmi explained.
“I’ve seen the completed work in several flood-prone areas in Sabah, and preparations are progressing well.”
Temporary evacuation centres will be equipped with Starlink or WiFi to ensure evacuees maintain reliable internet connectivity.
Meteorological Department deputy director-general Ambun Dindang earlier confirmed Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang will likely experience the first wave of continuous heavy rainfall.
The monsoon season, which began yesterday, is forecast to persist until March next year.
Typically, the monsoon impacts northeastern states from November to December before extending to Pahang and Johor in subsequent phases. – Bernama
