Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department mobilises 15,620 personnel and 983 assets nationwide for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon season.
KLANG: The Fire and Rescue Department has mobilised 15,620 personnel and 983 land and marine assets nationwide in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon.
JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad stated that comprehensive preparations have been made including logistical readiness at fire stations in affected areas.
He revealed that 3,683 flood hotspot locations have been identified across the country during a visit to the Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station for the Flood Operations Logistics Testing and Inspection Day.
The East Coast states recorded the highest number of flood hotspots with Pahang having 760 locations followed by Kelantan with 618 and Terengganu with 460.
Other states with significant flood-prone areas include Sabah with 517 hotspots Johor with 343 Perak with 280 and Negeri Sembilan with 123 locations.
Nor Hisham said the department would also give special attention to densely populated urban areas as flood operations there pose unique challenges.
He explained that due to high population density and uniform housing layouts floodwaters in urban areas rise quickly and can fill residential zones faster.
Urban floods also cause traffic congestion as residents try to leave affected areas while rescue teams must enter them creating opposing movements that complicate operations.
Weather forecasts indicate the upcoming monsoon season will be within normal levels for most parts of the country.
Certain areas in Sabah are expected to experience above-average rainfall during the monsoon period.
JBPM has not imposed a leave freeze on its personnel but the number of staff allowed on leave at any given time is limited to 20 percent. – Bernama
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