Melaka: A total of 328 officers and members of the Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) are on high alert ahead of the northeast monsoon, which often brings heavy rain and floods to low-lying areas. APM Melaka director Lt Col (PA) Kamarulsyah Muslim announced the readiness of the force, which includes 41 officers and 287 members, for deployment throughout the monsoon season to respond to floods and storm-related emergencies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kamarulsyah highlighted that officers and members have undergone prior training and all assets have been maintained to ensure readiness for the monsoon, expected to last until March next year. He shared these insights with reporters after the 2025 Melaka APM-Media Programme, emphasizing that the force’s assets, including five trucks, 12 four-wheel-drive vehicles, 34 boats, and 14 ambulances, are in good condition.

Kamarulsyah elaborated on the preparedness activities, mentioning that drills in boat and engine handling, first aid, rescue operations, and equipment management have been conducted. He noted that the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), chaired by Melaka State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, has also held a coordination meeting to ensure logistics and equipment from all emergency and disaster relief agencies are deployment-ready.

‘APM, as secretariat for state and district-level disaster management, works closely with other rescue agencies to ensure smooth operations at temporary relief centres and in aid distribution,’ he stated. Furthermore, APM Melaka participated in a disaster management simulation organized by the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) in Alor Gajah in October to enhance preparedness.

Kamarulsyah also mentioned that the force has met its annual recruitment target of 440 new volunteer members, including students from higher education institutions, who have completed a three-day, two-night Basic Civil Defence Course. ‘Volunteers undergo monthly training at district offices and APM units to strengthen skills in emergency assistance, AED use, small-scale fire control, and operational equipment handling,’ he added.