KUALA BERANG: The Fire and Rescue Department has distributed 150 community boats nationwide in preparation for the northeast monsoon season.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the boats would help local communities carry out prompt evacuations of flood victims.
He said the department would also be on standby with larger boats for use in areas with stronger and swifter currents.
“We have completed the distribution of 150 community boats. These boats enable communities to initiate early evacuation, thus addressing some of the logistical challenges we face.
“In the past, we had problems during floods in urban areas because the water wasn’t deep and there were many obstacles. Smaller and lighter boats were required. We have now resolved both of these issues,” he said after closing the Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia collaboration programme at Hutan Lipur Sekayu here, Bernama reported.
Nor Hisham also said 24,000 personnel would be mobilised to prepare for floods expected to begin at the end of December.
He added that the government had approved the procurement of 200 new vehicles, including boat-towing vehicles and light operational vehicles, which are expected to be delivered early next year.
“We also have additional assets, including 450 marine vehicles, 417 light transport vehicles and 119 heavy transport vehicles.
“These are some of the things we are enhancing to increase our capacity to respond to rescue and assistance operations,” he said.
