Port klang: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has mobilised 15,620 personnel and 983 land and marine assets nationwide in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon, expected to begin before mid-November and continue until March next year. JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said comprehensive preparations have been made, including logistical readiness at fire stations in affected areas, with 3,683 flood hotspot locations identified across the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the East Coast states recorded the highest number of flood hotspots, with Pahang having 760 locations, followed by Kelantan with 618 and Terengganu with 460. This information was shared by Nor Hisham during a visit to the Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station for the Flood Operations Logistics Testing and Inspection Day. Selangor JBPM director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail was also present at the event.

Apart from the East Coast, other regions with a high number of flood-prone areas include Sabah with 517 hotspots, Johor with 343, Perak with 280, and Negeri Sembilan with 123. Nor Hisham emphasized that the department would focus on densely populated urban areas, where flood operations present unique challenges. He noted that in such areas, floodwaters rise quickly due to high population density and uniform housing layouts, complicating rescue efforts.

Urban floods also lead to traffic congestion, as residents attempt to evacuate while rescue teams try to enter, creating opposing movements that further complicate operations. Weather forecasts suggest the upcoming monsoon season will be within normal levels for most parts of the country, although above-average rainfall is expected in certain areas of Sabah.

Nor Hisham further mentioned that JBPM has not yet imposed a leave freeze on its personnel, although the number of staff allowed on leave at any given time is limited to 20 per cent.