KUALA SELANGOR: The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department has begun making preparations for the year-end monsoon.
Its director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said the department has identified hotspots in seven districts.
"We want to be ready for any eventuality and are making preparations, especially in flood-prone districts including Sepang, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat, Port Klang, Shah Alam, Bestari Jaya and Pulau Indah.
"We have 1,700 personnel and 92 boats at the ready. We will also look at the possibility of freezing leave if the need arises," he told reporters at the Kuala Selangor Fire Station here on Thursday (Sept 7).
He said this month, many states are forecast to receive between 100mm and 450mm of rainfall.
"October is expected to be the transition period to the next monsoon season and we have urged all 38 fire stations in Selangor to prepare," he said.
When asked, Wan Md Razali said there was a need for more personnel and fire engines in Selangor.
"We have at least 200 positions to fill in the state and we also need more fire engines as our current assets are 12 to 13 years old.
"On our best day this year, we had 61% of our 76 fire rescue tender vehicles working," he said, adding that on average at least 50% of the fleet would be down for maintenance and repairs.
Wan Md Razali said that the department responded to 4,991 fires and 19,799 rescue calls in the state from January to August.
"Last year we responded to 6,255 fires and 29,445 rescue calls," he said, adding that the high number of incidents showed the need to increase manpower and assets in the state.
