JOHOR BARU: A crisis response team (CRT) has been activated to coordinate emergency response efforts and ensure public safety during the upcoming Johor state election.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Siti Rohani Nadir said its personnel would be deployed as part of the team from July 9 to 13 in conjunction with the state election, with polling scheduled for July 11.
"The CRT, which is led by the police, comprises personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, Health Ministry and other government agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts throughout the election period," she told reporters after the department's monthly assembly at the state Fire and Rescue headquarters on Monday (June 29).
Siti Rohani said all 34 fire stations across Johor would be placed on full alert to provide emergency coverage for all 56 state constituencies and 1,140 polling centres statewide.
She added that about 1,300 firefighters would remain on standby throughout the election period, with all fire station chiefs instructed to be on duty and prohibited from taking leave.
The department has also carried out fire safety inspections at all premises designated as polling centres to eliminate potential fire hazards.
"In the event of flooding during the election period, the department is prepared to deploy boats to transport voters to polling centres if continuous heavy rain renders roads impassable," she said.
However, she said the deployment of helicopters would depend on operational requirements and approval from the Fire and Rescue Department headquarters.
"If the situation requires it, we will submit an application to headquarters," she added.
