MAF deploys personnel, assets to face second wave of floods

KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will deploy its personnel and assets to 86 locations nationwide to assist the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and related agencies in preparation to face the second wave of floods.

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this was following reports by the Malaysian Meteorological Department that continuous rain was expected from Wednesday (Dec 29) until Jan 6, which could cause a second wave of floods in several states.

"In total, the MAF will deploy 115 officers and 2,768 members of various ranks. Apart from that, a total of six seven-tonne trucks, 160 three-tonne trucks, 129 boats and 109 boat engines are prepared to face the second wave of floods,” he told a press conference after visiting the 8th Infantry Brigade headquarters in Pengkalan Chepa here on Thursday (Dec 31).

Commenting further, Hishammuddin said the MAF had been implementing six approaches in facing the current floods.

"The six approaches include placing one battalion on standby in each state, deploying designated officers at state and district flood operation centres and placing the MAF medical team on standby to be deployed at relief centres,” he said.

Hishammuddin said the planning would 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 MAF and the ministry will ensure that the MAF will continue all efforts for the safety of the people during the floods," he added. - Bernama