BUTTERWORTH: With monsoon season approaching, rescuers have reminded the public to exercise caution and closely monitor their young children.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director (operations) Khairy Sulaiman said parents should take measures to minimise the risk of drowning, electrical shocks and water surges.
These can occur when the water level rises, which is why people must exercise care at all times, he said.
“Avoid activities near beaches, rivers and hiking in risky areas. Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready for evacuation,” he said.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department communication officer Mohamed Haiqal Izwan said his team will monitor water currents at recreational spots like rivers, waterfalls and beaches, and will provide early warnings.
“Parents should monitor their children closely to ensure they stay away from floodwaters, preventing any potential accidents,” he said.
Khairy said that in Penang, rescuers are keeping an eye on more than 200 flood and landslide prone hotspots during the monsoon season.
He added that the department has already identified these hotspots, which include Kampung Sethu in Sungai Bakap, the Teluk Kumbar area, as well as hilly spots in Balik Pulau.
He said northeast monsoon rapid action teams, each made up of four people, will be deployed to any flood or landslide incident during the monsoon season.
“The rapid deployment teams, four each on the island and the mainland, can be mobilised quickly,” he said when contacted.
In Kedah, 2,848 officers and personnel, including those from the voluntary fire brigade, will be on standby during the northeast monsoon season.
Mohamed Haiqal said the department has activated regional forward bases (RFBs) to coordinate machinery, rescue equipment and personnel across three key zones – northern (Penang), eastern (Terengganu) and southern (Johor) – to support field operations in the state.
He added that the state is equipped with 66 machines and utility vehicles, 31 boats and 714 life jackets for rescue operations.
“We will monitor websites and Telegram channels from the state Irrigation and Drainage Department, Meteorological Department and other agencies for real-time updates on weather patterns, rainfall, river levels and tidal conditions that could lead to flooding,” he said.
He said personnel at local fire stations are also conducting on-the-ground monitoring at 114 locations across 11 flood-prone districts in the state.
