GENTING HIGHLANDS: Over 16,000 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department have been placed on high alert ahead of the Northeast Monsoon, following recent heavy rains and floods that have affected various parts of the country.
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said this year's rainfall patterns have deviated slightly, causing floods in Kedah and several other areas, prompting the department to mobilise its entire workforce, alongside 8,000 volunteer firefighters, much earlier than usual.
He said all JBPM state and district teams have been instructed to hold strategic meetings to discuss detailed action plans and readiness measures in preparation for any potential disasters arising from the Northeast Monsoon.
"Our marine and logistics assets are on standby, ready to be deployed to any flood-hit areas if needed.
"This includes more than 500 marine vessels and 450 transport lorries," he told Bernama after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gohtong Jaya Fire and Rescue Station here today, officiated by Local Government and Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Present was Genting Malaysia Bhd deputy chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
"This year, we are in a better position to respond, thanks to improved resource allocations and ongoing repairs of machinery and transport vehicles at the state level.
"Once these preparations are complete, I am confident our readiness will be significantly enhanced," Nor Hisham said.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director-general (Strategic), Ambun Dindang, had earlier forecast that the 2024/2025 Northeast Monsoon will begin in November and continue until March 2025, with an expected four to six episodes of prolonged heavy rainfall during this period.
Heavy rainfall is likely to impact Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang between November and December, with Johor, Sabah and Sarawak experiencing increased rainfall from December through January as well.
Nor Hisham said a department-owned helicopter will be stationed in Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu, as part of flood preparations for the East Coast states, while other assets will be deployed based on the severity of the floods.
He said that the department is ready to mobilise all its personnel, including volunteer firefighters, to any affected areas when necessary, while officers in disaster-prone districts will have their leave frozen, and work shifts will be adjusted from the standard 12-hour rotations to 24-hour shifts to ensure smooth rescue operations.
Nor Hisham also advised the public to reconsider travel plans to water-based recreational areas during the Northeast Monsoon season.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and stay informed of weather updates to avoid being caught in incidents such as landslides or flash floods, particularly when participating in outdoor activities near waterfalls or hillside areas.