Bracing for the rains: Private contractors trimming trees around Johor Jaya in Johor Baru, as part of city council preparations for heavy rains and strong winds during the upcoming monsoon season. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: Each time the monsoon season arrives, it brings more than just heavy rain and floods – strong winds often uproot trees, leading to property damage, injuries, and sometimes even fatalities.
Consequently, the Fire and Rescue Department has been kept busy nationwide, responding to an average of 12 fallen tree incidents every day.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad (pic) said that in the first nine months of this year alone, the department has handled 3,245 cases involving fallen trees nationwide.
In comparison, 5,232 cases were recorded in 2024 and 4,825 cases in 2023.
“This year, we have recorded six deaths so far,” he said, adding that Selangor topped the list with the highest number of fallen tree incidents at 468.
Nor Hisham said the latest fatal case occurred on Oct 22, when a 40-year-old man was killed after a tree crushed his vehicle during a heavy downpour in Kuala Lumpur.
“On the same day, in Kepong Baru, a woman was injured when another tree collapsed nearby,” he said.
Nor Hisham added that the department remains on high alert as more thunderstorms are expected in the coming days.
“People need to be aware of their surroundings and trim overhanging branches, especially those near roofs, windows and power lines,” he said in an interview.
He also advised the public to check that trees in their area are structurally sound, and to watch out for those with leaning trunks or exposed roots.
On storm preparedness, Nor Hisham urged the public to stay indoors during heavy rain or strong winds and to alert local authorities or the Fire and Rescue Department if they notice any unstable trees.
“It’s also important to have an emergency evacuation plan in case of tree-related damage or blocked exits,” he said, adding that the department is working closely with the Malaysian Meteorological Department to monitor weather patterns.
He added that the department is also keeping watch over about 4,000 potential disaster hotspots, including 3,683 flood-prone areas, 254 critical slopes and 201 locations at risk of water surges, in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.
Nearly 1,000 of the department’s assets, including 536 land units such as four-wheel drives, vans and trucks, are on standby for deployment.
A total of 447 marine assets, including boats and inflatable rafts, have also been readied for operations.
