PETALING JAYA: Flood-related rescue operations reached 3,681 nationwide between 2023 and September this year, with 2024 accounting for the highest number at 1,679 cases, according to the Fire and Rescue Department.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said flood cases rose from 752 in 2023 to 1,679 in 2024, before declining to 1,013 in 2025 and 237 between January and September this year.
He said the department’s operational planning for the Northeast Monsoon season, which is expected to begin earlier than usual this year, took into account previous flood incidents and high-risk areas nationwide.
According to statistics presented during the department’s preparedness briefing for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon showed that Kelantan recorded the highest number of flood rescue cases at 1,115, followed by Sabah (509) and Johor (372).
Others were Sarawak (314), Perak (277), Selangor (260), Kedah (235), Terengganu (156), Pahang (122), Negri Sembilan (106), Melaka (71), Perlis (48), Penang (45), Kuala Lumpur (35), Labuan (15) and Putrajaya (one).
Nor Hisham said the department had strengthened its operational readiness through the strategic deployment of personnel, assets and logistics to ensure an effective emergency response.
“We have also reinforced the Emergency Medical Rescue Services and Water Rescue Teams to provide medical assistance and carry out flood rescue operations.”
He added that the department would also conduct nationwide logistical inspections and preparedness exercises to ensure all equipment and assets remained in optimal condition.
On manpower, Nor Hisham said more than 25,590 firefighters including 2,227 auxiliary and 8,956 volunteer firefighters, are on standby to respond to emergencies nationwide.
He said leave would also be restricted during the monsoon season, with only about 20% of applications expected to be approved, particularly in states at higher risk of flooding.
“In addition, personnel may be required to switch from 12-hour to 24-hour shifts if the situation becomes increasingly critical during the monsoon.”
Based on data from the Irrigation and Drainage Department, Nor Hisham said 3,682 flood hotspots had been identified.
The monsoon is expected to continue until March 2027.
The public are advised to remain alert to weather developments, follow instructions from the authorities and monitor official updates and warnings from the Meteorological Department through its website at www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile application and its official social media channels.
