Bomba better equipped to tackle situation

Practice makes perfect: Perak Road fire station firemen preparing boats as A’Azelan Hassan looks on. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: With the aid of technology, the Fire and Rescue Department is now better prepared in planning its flood operations.

“We have a control room with a monitor to display satellite images of the affected areas.

“Such visuals will enable us to pinpoint the affected areas and plan our rescue operations,” said Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue chief A’azelan Hassan.

With more rainfall expected in October, the department is geared up to face the northeast monsoon.

A’azelan said the 75 firemen at his station have been told to exercise restraint when taking leave during this period.

“They are only allowed to take up to three days,” he said.

A’azelan said the team has identified 24 hotspots under its jurisdiction, among them the low-lying Jalan P. Ramlee.

“We are working closely with the district disaster council and the Penang Island City Council for ‘y alerts’ or flood risks,” he said.

He added that they are ready to swing into action with the three boats they have.

“We will send out the boats if the water level rises too high.

“We also have a lorry to evacuate flood victims.”

Meanwhile, the Penang director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Kapt Abdul Razak Mohamed advised fishermen to stay home if there is a prolonged downpour.

“We expect a turbulent monsoon with rough seas. Those going deep-sea fishing should not go as rescue operations could be hampered by rough seas.

“If you still have to go out to sea, please tell your families your likely location. And arm yourself with a life jacket, communication tools, and ensure your boat is sea-worthy,” he advised.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the present southwest monsoon is expected to last till mid-September.

“During this time, heavy rain coupled with strong winds and thunderstorms caused by the squall line phenomenon could still occur in the west coast of the peninsula and west of Sabah in the mornings,” said a MetMalaysia statement.