KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 25,592 Fire and Rescue Department officers and personnel and 1,248 assets are on standby to face 3,682 identified flood hotspots, with the Northeast Monsoon expected to begin Tuesday (Oct 27) and last until March next year.
Director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department had identified 3,682 flood hotspots, based on Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) data.
He said the data would guide where to prioritise deploying personnel and assets, according to risk levels and on-the-ground requirements.
"Our priority is public safety. The department has formulated a comprehensive response strategy covering prevention and mitigation, planning and preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery," he said in a statement here on Monday (Oct 26).
The department expects three to five episodes of continuous heavy rain during the initial phase of the monsoon, from November this year to January next year, which can mean a higher risk of flooding in low-lying areas and locations near rivers.
The conditions could also cause rough seas and rising sea levels in the South China Sea, due to persistent northeast winds.
Nor Hisham said to expedite response efforts in high-risk areas, 29 Rapid Response Teams had been mobilised, while Regional Forward Bases in Penang, Terengganu and Johor had been activated to facilitate the deployment of personnel and assets to locations requiring assistance.
"In terms of personnel, the department’s preparedness plan includes 13,631 full-time fire officers, 2,227 Auxiliary Fire Officers, 8,956 Volunteer Fire Brigade members and 62 engineering personnel.
"Leave restrictions of between 80 and 100% have also been imposed, according to operational needs, particularly in states at risk of being affected, to ensure sufficient personnel are available," he said.
Meanwhile, he said rapid response capabilities had also been strengthened through the involvement of the Emergency Medical Rescue Services and the Water Rescue Team to provide emergency medical assistance and carry out flood rescue operations.
"We have also prepared 571 light transport vehicles, 144 heavy transport vehicles and 529 marine assets, in addition to four helicopters and three drones, to support rescue operations. It has also provided 150 community boats to help local residents take early action during emergencies, with due consideration given to safety," he said.
Nor Hisham said that, apart from flood risks, the department was also monitoring expected weather changes during the final phase of the Northeast Monsoon, from January to March next year, when rainfall is expected to decrease, particularly in the northern part of the Peninsula and Sabah. Meanwhile, the influence of a very strong El Nino phenomenon could lead to hotter and drier conditions, and a higher risk of more extreme heatwaves.
"We will continue to strengthen our preparedness and cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure that rescue operations and emergency assistance can be carried out efficiently and effectively, to protect lives, public safety and property throughout the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon," he said. - Bernama
