Nation

24,000 firefighters on standby for northeast monsoon

KANGAR: The Fire and Rescue Department will mobilise 24,263 officers and personnel to respond to potential emergencies during the northeast monsoon, which is expected to begin tomorrow (Nov 5).

These include 2,196 auxiliary fire officers and 8,421 volunteer firefighters to assist with relocating flood victims, particularly in the east coast and several other states.

Its director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, said the department had prepared five helicopters and three drones for aerial logistics and rescue operations.

"We are also preparing land logistics for flood rescue operations, including 293 four-wheel-drive utility vehicles, 86 vans, 72 five-tonne lorries and 49 three-tonne lorries.

"Also, 450 marine logistics units, consisting of boats, are being prepared to navigate the flood situation," he said after opening the 2024 Fire and Rescue Department's Integrity Day celebration here today (Nov 4).

Hisham said in anticipation of the flood season, the department had set up forward operating bases (FOBs) at the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Academy in Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu, and the Ayer Hitam Fire and Rescue Department in Johor.

"We will position aerial and marine logistics, as well as transport vehicles at ABPM Wakaf Tapai and BBP Ayer Hitam in Johor. Both locations have been prioritised for this northeast monsoon period.

"This follows the Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) forecast that the focus of this monsoon will be on the east coast, Johor, western Sarawak and eastern Sabah.

"Another FOB was on standby in Penang," he said.

He added that 22 Rapid Emergency Deployed Teams, known as Red Teams, had been established to expedite interstate movements.

"We have our strike team, the Red Team, to respond quickly if urgent assistance is needed from neighbouring states.

"Similarly, if there is a demand for assistance in an affected district, these teams will be mobilised to provide immediate aid."

On Nov 1, MetMalaysia said the 2024/2025 northeast monsoon was expected to begin tomorrow and continue until March.

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