ALOR SETAR: The Kedah government has activated the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) in preparation for the monsoon transition phase, which is expected to last from Tuesday (Sept 24) until early November.
State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Major (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria said the centre operates together with other authorities to ensure assistance for the public during disasters such as floods and storms.
"We have acted early; the PKOB in Kedah is operational even in the absence of disasters or during minor incidents.
During major incidents, we activate the centre in each district, led by district officers.
"We are working with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the National Security Council (MKN), the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM),” he told reporters when asked about the state government’s preparations for the anticipated monsoon transition phase.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the monsoon transition phase is expected to bring weak winds from various directions across the country.
This situation may lead to thunderstorms that typically bring heavy rain and strong winds for short durations, particularly in the evenings and nights in most areas of the west and interior of the Peninsula, as well as in west Sabah and west and central Sarawak.
Meanwhile, when asked about the actions taken by local authorities (PBT) regarding uprooted trees caused by strong winds or storms, Mansor said that he had instructed all PBTs to monitor trees that are at risk of falling.
"We cannot simply cut down these trees, as they are planted to withstand the wind and enhance the landscape. However, if a tree is leaning to the extent that it endangers safety, potentially causing injury or damaging property, we will cut it down.
"If the tree is in good condition, we will take early action by pruning the large branches. We do not cut down healthy trees because they take many years to grow; some can be 40 to 50 years old,” he said.
Meanwhile, the number of flood victims in Kedah has dropped to 7,252 people as of 4 pm on Monday (Sept 23) compared to 7,958 people in the morning.
According to the Social Welfare Department's (JKM) Info Bencana, all the victims, involving 2,418 families, are at 35 relief centres (PPS) in four districts affected by the floods.
The Kota Setar district recorded the highest number of victims, totalling 4,984 people, followed by Pendang (1,604), Kubang Pasu (579) and Pokok Sena (85 people).
Meanwhile, based on the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) website, Public Infobanjir, only Sungai Anak Bukit at the TAR Bridge, Kota Setar is still at a dangerous level.
In PERAK, the Secretariat of the State Disaster Management Committee reported that the total number of flood victims remained at 29 people as of 4 pm today with all the victims housed at the PPS at Sekolah Kebangsaan Changkat Lobak in Kerian district.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecast fine weather in all districts in Perak tonight. - BERNAMA
