Kuala lumpur: The Civil Defence Force (APM) has directed all state contingents to step up preparations for the Northeast Monsoon, including ensuring that assets and personnel are at optimum readiness to respond to possible floods. APM Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Ghazali Abd Rahman said preparations included inspecting and maintaining land and water assets, as well as stepping up training for personnel to deal with possible flood disasters.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, preparedness efforts would normally focus on the east coast states of Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang, as well as Johor, which are among the areas frequently at risk of flooding during the monsoon season. More than 7,000 full-time APM personnel and officers nationwide will be mobilised in the event of floods, with additional personnel and volunteer teams providing support in the event of a large-scale disaster.

Ghazali emphasized that for the three east coast states, each has at least a first responder team, estimating that about 300 to 400 personnel can be mobilised for preparedness efforts in each state. This year's Northeast Monsoon is expected to occur from November to March next year.

APM's role during disasters extends beyond evacuating victims from affected areas; it also includes deploying personnel to temporary relief centres. Ghazali stated that APM would work with the Social Welfare Department to ensure the welfare and needs of victims at relief centres were taken care of.

Additionally, APM deploys medical teams with ambulances to provide initial treatment and transport victims requiring further treatment to hospitals or health clinics. Meanwhile, Ghazali noted that 430 participants, comprising 215 male and 215 female students from all states except Sarawak, took part in the Civil Defence Cadet Integration Camp and Skills Competition.

The competition aimed to enhance students' knowledge, skills, and preparedness in civil defence, particularly in dealing with emergencies and disasters.