JITRA: Leave for nearly 800 officers and personnel from the Kedah Fire and Rescue Department has been frozen due to the flood situation in the state.
Kedah Department director Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Awang Hidzel Awang Bujang said the measure was taken in preparation for the floods, which is forecast to worsen in the coming days.
"We have frozen the leave of all officers and personnel starting Tuesday (Sept 17). In addition, we have instructed fire stations located near major rivers in Kedah, namely Sungai Bata and Kota Setar, to make the necessary preparations.
"For houses near the rivers, we advise occupants to make early preparations. If evacuation is necessary, do so before any tragedy occurs," he said after inspecting the flood relief centre at SK Malau here on Tuesday.
He said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had also forecast the occurrence of a high tide phenomenon soon, which could cause flooding in coastal areas.
Meanwhile, he advised the public to postpone any plans for holidays or recreation at beaches and rivers.
As of 5pm on Tuesday, the number of flood victims in Kedah had increased to 675 people from 159 families across four districts, namely Kubang Pasu, Pendang, Kulim, and Pokok Sena, who have been relocated to nine relief centres. – Bernama
