Melaka:The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has mobilized 474 officers and personnel from 11 stations in preparation for the upcoming northeast monsoon season. This readiness initiative aims to address potential challenges such as forest, bush, and grass fires due to the El Nino phenomenon, as well as flooding.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department has bolstered its operational capabilities with 139 volunteers and various assets, including 27 boats, to support rescue efforts during adverse weather conditions. Personnel will be strategically positioned in flood-prone areas, notably in Asahan, Jasin, to enhance monitoring and response during heavy rainfall.
Mohd Zaidi Ma'at, the department's director, stated that 102 locations across Melaka have been identified as vulnerable to flooding. These include 52 sites in Melaka Tengah, 26 in Jasin, and 24 in Alor Gajah. To streamline aid distribution, disaster operations logistics centers have been established at the Alor Gajah, Ayer Keroh, and Jasin Bestari fire stations. Additionally, a Monsoon Season Rapid Response Centre is now operational at the Ayer Keroh station to coordinate assistance for other states in need.
The department has restricted leave to 20% of its personnel, keeping the remaining 80% on standby, with possible shift extensions from 12 to 24 hours depending on the situation. Regular training and equipment checks are being conducted to ensure readiness, including the maintenance of boats, engines, and chainsaws.
Furthermore, public involvement is being encouraged through the Teman Pili Bomba scheme, which invites residents to monitor fire hydrants and report any issues. To date, 271 individuals have joined the program, which oversees approximately 18,000 hydrants in Melaka, including both public and private installations.
In terms of emergency response, the Melaka JBPM has handled 4,954 calls between January 1 and October 27 this year, with rescue and humanitarian operations comprising the majority at 2,693 cases. The department also responded to 2,186 fire-related incidents, 73 special duty cases, and two false alarms.