Rome:Kelantan The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Kelantan has developed a service continuity plan to maintain firefighting and rescue operations during the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon, even if fire stations are impacted by floods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, state JBPM director Farhan Sufyan Borhan stated that the plan involves relocating personnel and assets to pre-identified alternative sites that will serve as coordination centers for firefighting services. This strategy was formulated in response to past flood experiences, including the 2014 floods affecting the Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Station and the 2024 floods impacting the Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Station.

The plan not only considers the Rantau Panjang and Kuala Krai stations but also prepares for potential incidents at other stations due to the unpredictable nature of flood conditions. Introduced last year, the service continuity plan is designed to ensure that all affected fire stations can continue to function and provide emergency services.

To address rescue operations in areas at risk of being isolated by floods, high-risk locations, especially in Gua Musang and Lojing, have been identified for early action planning. This includes discussions and joint exercises with other rescue and response agencies to coordinate efforts if evacuations are necessary.

Temporary relief centers have been designated in locations likely to be flooded and cut off, with relief supplies stocked to meet residents' needs. Helicopters can also be deployed for rescue operations or to evacuate individuals from areas inaccessible by road. The planning and coordination efforts aim to inform residents in risk-prone areas about safe locations in case floods block access to their settlements.