KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces will increase its readiness in preparations for the second wave of floods hitting several states, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The Defence Minister said the Armed Forces and the ministry are following reports by the Meteorological Department closely on the possibility of continuous rain from Dec 29 until Jan 6, which may cause a second wave of floods.
"Based on the department's forecast, the states involved include Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sabah dan Sarawak.
"I have instructed the Armed Forces chief to ensure the level of preparedness especially at the states involved is at the highest level," he said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 30).
Hishammuddin said such level of preparedness is important to ensure that personnel and assets could be deployed at any time for flood relief operations.
"The Armed Forces have implemented several measures, including placing one battalion on standby at each state, deploying designated officers at state and district flood operation centres and placing the military's medical team on standby to be deployed at temporary relief centres (PPS).
"The number of personnel deployed has also been increased to conduct flood aid operation at the PPS and places that could not be reached via land route," he added.
Hishammuddin said the Armed Forces have set into motion the deployment of personnel and assets to 86 locations nationwide to assist the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and other relevant agencies.
"It consists of 115 officers, 2,768 personnel as well as several assets including six 7-tonnes trucks, 160 3-tonnes trucks, 129 boats and 109 boat engines.
"The planning will be updated from time-to-time based on the flood situation at the respective state or areas.
"I along with the top leadership in the military and the ministry will ensure that the Armed Forces will continue all efforts for the safety of the people during the floods," he said.
