KLUANG: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force is strengthening its preparedness for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) by running its operations control centres around the clock to coordinate emergency responses and disaster relief swiftly.
Civil Defence Deputy Chief Commissioner (operations) Ghazali Abd Rahman (pic) said the move is backed by improved communication systems and closer coordination with agencies on disaster management committees at various levels to address the risks of floods, water surges and landslides.
He said communication between the southern, eastern and central zones will be improved to ensure effective coordination and allow personnel from other zones to be deployed to disaster-hit areas.
"Effective communication between zones will enable additional members to be deployed to support the more than 12,000 personnel on standby for the 2026/2027 MTL.
"We will mobilise support teams from the respective zones and work together across zones to conduct exercises and assist one another during disasters," he said.
He said this after the closing ceremony of the 2026 Civil Defence Strategic Partnership Programme with the Media for the Southern Zone at the Southern Region Civil Defence Training Centre (PULAPAS) here Saturday (Oct 17).
Ghazali said Civil Defence is also stepping up its preparedness efforts by improving personnel skills, maintaining and expanding assets and logistics to ensure smooth rescue operations throughout the MTL.
He also welcomed the increase in allowances for Civil Defence volunteers announced in Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with rates for personnel rising from RM8 to RM9 and those for officers from RM9.80 to RM10.80.
"Although the increase may seem small, it will boost morale and encourage personnel to provide the best possible service to the public and the country," he said. - Bernama
