MELAKA: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force is prepared to activate its contingency plans here in anticipation of the king tide phenomenon, says Lt Kol (PA) Kamarulsyah Muslim.
The Melaka Civil Defence Force director said the state disaster management committee had gazetted 382 temporary evacuation centres that can be activated at any time if floods occur during the Northeast Monsoon season.
Kamarulsyah, who is also the state disaster management committee secretary, said 165 centres are located in Melaka Tengah, 125 in Alor Gajah and 92 in Jasin.
"The Melaka Civil Defence Force as a response agency under the committee, has strengthened its readiness with various operational assets, including 34 boats, 32 boat engines, 31 boat trailers, 13 ambulances, 12 four-wheel-drive vehicles and five rescue lorries," he said on Wednesday (Dec 3).
Kamarulsyah added 272 life jackets, 1,096 “Cubicle-Tent” units, motorcycles, power generators, and other support vehicles, all of which have been prepared.
Elaborating further, he said that based on data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department, 106 flood-prone areas have been identified across the state, comprising 53 in Melaka Tengah, 27 in Alor Gajah and 26 in Jasin.
"A total of 312 personnel, including 25 officers and 287 members from various levels, are ready to be deployed should floods or any disaster-related incidents occur", he said.
Kamarulsyah said they are fully ready in terms of manpower and assets.
"Various preparedness training is also carried out, including rescue boat handling training, to ensure the skills of the members are continuously improved," he said.
On Monday (Dec 1), Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the king tide phenomenon was expected along the state’s coastline from Dec 1 to 9.
He said all relevant agencies have been placed on alert and mobilised to address the situation.
Ab Rauf also identified areas at higher risk of being affected by the king tide, namely Kampung Tanjung Bidara, Kampung Padang Kemunting, Kampung Telok Gong, Kampung Tanjung Dahan, Kampung Pengkalan Balak, Kampung Kuala Linggi, Kampung Permatang, Kampung Umbai and Parit Cina Pasir.
