PUTRAJAYA: Preparations for this year's North-East Monsoon have been intensified, with a specific focus on maintaining logistical assets and enhancing the capacity of rescue teams nationwide, says Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.
Speaking after addressing the department’s monthly assembly here on Friday (Oct 10), he said proactive measures such as field training exercises, logistical preparations, and the maintenance of transport vehicles and heavy machinery have been taken to ensure an optimal level of preparedness.
"Thankfully, this year we have received a special allocation for major maintenance of our transport vehicles and lorries. We have already begun repair works. InsyaAllah, our preparations are better in terms of heavy machinery this year.
"We have also procured and distributed 150 community boats to our Volunteer Firefighter and community firefighter units,” he said.
The 2025/2026 North-East Monsoon is expected to begin next month and last until March, with a transitional monsoon phase forecast from late October until November.
Earlier in his address, he said the department had identified a need to enhance its marine assets, such as fire rescue boats, highlighting that they are critical for operations in water-based villages, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.
"These residential structures are only accessible via waterways, requiring specialised rescue assets to enable firefighting, rescue and evacuation more efficiently.
"Furthermore, some areas can only be reached by river or open water. These conditions need larger boats that can also function as platforms for firefighters to rest and recuperate during extended missions," he said.
As such, five fire rescue boats have been procured to boost marine capabilities.
A prototype boat is expected to be delivered by July, with the remaining units scheduled to be supplied by 2027. – Bernama
