KOTA BARU: More than 500 state policemen are ready to be deployed to flood prone areas following the coming monsoon season.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat said apart from that, the state contingent has been making other preparations in case floods occur at any time from now following the latest forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
"At the moment, some 500 personnel have been told to be on standby for any eventuality of floods hitting Kelantan during the monsoon transition phase.
"We might add more personnel after a meeting on flood preparations next week. Other preparations will also be finalised during the meeting which will be attended by various agencies," he said.
Shafien said the annual leave of state policemen would be frozen if the situation required.
MetMalaysia, in its latest statement, had said thunderstorms with heavy rain and strong winds are expected as the region will experience the monsoon transition phase from tomorrow until early November.
It added that the beginning of the transition marks the end of the south-west monsoon which began on May 19.
During the monsoon transition phase, the region would receive weak winds from various directions which are very suitable for thunderstorms which usually bring heavy rain and strong winds in a short period.
These incidents occur mainly in the afternoon and early evening in most areas in the states on the west coast and interior of the peninsula, western Sabah, and western and central Sarawak.
The department also advised the public to always be vigilant during the period as flash floods could potentially happen.