Johor firemen ready for emergencies and natural disasters

JOHOR BARU: With the northeast monsoon expected to bring heavier rainfall, Johor firemen are prepared for any emergencies, including natural disasters due to the La Nina phenomenon.

State Fire and Rescue Department acting director Mohd Rizal Buang said it is ready to handle any emergency should rains persist and recently carried out a training exercise involving 45 firemen in Mersing.

“We carried out emergency simulations involving capsized boats and drowning victims, as well as training, including diving from a helicopter, and boat operations.

“The training course is to ensure our firemen are always updated and ready. They must not forget the standard operating procedure and protocols when working, especially with an aircraft.

“We have the equipment and have also identified landing areas to send flood supplies – we are ready to face any eventuality,” he said.

Mohd Rizal added that the department always monitors weather reports and any change in weather patterns.

It has also taken several proactive measures in identifying and monitoring 277 flood-prone areas throughout Johor.

“We do not wait until a flood happens and then carry out rescue (missions). When we get a heavy rainfall warning from the Meteorological Department, our men will be out on patrol in flood-prone areas to ensure public safety,” he said.

Mohd Rizal added that the department has more than 1,400 firemen in the state as well as 800 volunteer and 200 auxiliary firefighters, with various land, water and air assets, which can be mobilised.

He also reminded parents to keep a close watch over their children especially if they bring them to beaches, rivers and waterfalls to avoid any unwanted incident.

Mohd Rizal said that the department has recorded 21 deaths due to drowning that happened in Johor in the last three years.

“In 2020, the department recorded nine drowning cases while last year, there were eight cases,” he said.