Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Op Murni is already in force, with MAF now in the early-warning phase to monitor and prepare for possible flooding.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has activated Op Murni and begun early mobilisation nationwide after identifying 5,648 flood-risk locations ahead of the upcoming Northeast Monsoon.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Op Murni is already in force, with MAF now in the early-warning phase to monitor and prepare for possible flooding. A full deployment will be triggered automatically once heavy rainfall leads to rising water levels.
“MAF has activated Op Murni and we are now in the early mobilisation phase, where the military identifies and monitors all areas with flood potential.
“There is no waiting period. When it starts to rain and flooding begins, MAF will move forward immediately to carry out rescue and assistance,” he said during an operational briefing at the Defence Ministry (Mindef) camp, here, today
MAF has placed 4,428 personnel on standby – comprising 266 officers and 4,162 other ranks – supported by more than 7,800 mobility assets across the country.
These include 506 land vehicles, 7,355 water-based assets, 6,729 lifejackets and 19 aircraft, which Khaled said are ready for rapid deployment.
He said Op Murni will operate in four phases – early mobilisation, rescue, assistance and post-flood recovery – depending on the severity of the monsoon.
“This operation is event-driven, not tied to any specific date. The transition to rescue and relief happens the moment flooding begins,” he said.
Khaled confirmed that MAF has issued the Op Murni Initial Directive appointing the Army Chief as the lead commander to coordinate all three branches – the Army, Navy and Air Force.
A subsequent operational directive has placed the Western Field Commander in charge of Peninsular Malaysia and the Eastern Field Commander overseeing Sabah and Sarawak.
“At this stage, MAF is identifying hotspots based on past records, Meteorological Department forecasts and information from our officers on the ground,” he said.
He said MAF will continue to operate under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
“MAF works as part of the national disaster framework and complements all the other agencies. Everyone works together,” he said.
Khaled added that several Nadma-procured assets – including specialised vehicles and Bailey bridges – have been handed to MAF to support monsoon operations.
Additional equipment may be requested depending on real-time needs.
On whether more personnel may be deployed to high-risk areas, Khaled said MAF will respond according to on-ground developments.
“If rainfall increases and the situation becomes dangerous, then we will deploy additional personnel,” he said.
According to MAF, 17 key support assets — including military trucks, ambulances, water trailers, modular tents and safety-equipped boats — have been staged at the parade ground of Mindef for immediate movement to affected areas.
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