On alert and ready to respond

(Front row, from left) Fire and Rescue personnel from Perak Road fire station Yusdiridzuan Johari, 39, Che Yusrirasiddi Che Umar, 46, Mohd Shariza Mamat, 39, and Mohd Yaakub Ahmad Fudin, 44, along with other team members showing their rescue equipment in preparation for the wet spell. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

PENANG Fire and Rescue Department personnel have been on standby since early this month to face any eventuality during the current wet season.

Its director Saadon Mokhtar said since the weather conditions are difficult to predict these days, the department is always on alert and ready to swing into action anytime when needed.

The department has also made sure that all boats are in good working condition for rescue operations.

There are about 800 firefighters and officers in Penang who are stationed at 20 fire stations and the headquarters in Batu Kawan on the mainland.

The department also has 27 fire engines, seven water tankers, 32 boats and other assets such as EMRS vehicles that can be deployed anytime.

“We currently have enough manpower to help out in flood situations, to rescue Covid-19 positive victims as well as to handle other emergencies such as fires and accidents,” he said.

Saadon reminded the public to be extra vigilant during this wet season and to always keep a close watch when there is continuous heavy rain in their area.

He said those living near rivers and low-lying areas should always be prepared for any eventuality.

“The public must adhere to the advice by authorities on what to do if their area is affected by floods or landslides,” he said.

On Thursday, continuous rain caused several low-lying areas in the state to be submerged in flood waters.

A landslide near the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre in Balik Pulau occurred during heavy rain last Monday.