Penang:The Penang Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) has identified 51 flash flood hotspots across the state, intensifying daily patrols as part of its preparation for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah reported that Seberang Perai Tengah recorded the highest number of hotspots at 18, followed by Barat Daya with 13, Timur Laut with 10, and both Seberang Perai Utara and Seberang Perai Selatan with six each.
On the island, significant attention is being paid to areas such as Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Patani, Jalan Mahsuri, and the vicinity of Teluk Kumbar, including Kampung Paya and Kampung Suluk, as well as Balik Pulau. High-risk areas in Seberang Perai include Sungai Jawi, Kampung Valdor, Sungai Juru, the area around SP Arena, Sungai Jarak in Tasek Gelugor, and several villages in Bertam, including Kampung Permatang Saga and Kampung Lahar Tiang. Daily patrols and continuous monitoring are being conducted at these locations to enable quick response to flash floods or rising river levels.
To ensure operational readiness, the department is maintaining at least 80% of its personnel on duty at fire stations, with leave applications strictly regulated throughout the monsoon season. The department recently conducted a Flood Operation Logistics Testing and Inspection Day (MTL Log Day) at all fire stations to assess the readiness of its assets and equipment. This included testing rescue boats, land-based machinery, utility vehicles, and supporting equipment.
Furthermore, the department's Water Rescue Team (PPDA) completed intensive refresher training at Pulau Kendi in mid-October to enhance technical skills, diving capabilities, and water-based victim evacuation operations.
Meanwhile, Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng stated that a meeting of the Penang Contingent-level Disaster Operations Response Committee was held to strengthen preparedness for the monsoon. Discussions focused on human resource capacity, asset and logistics readiness, inter-agency coordination, refining disaster response plans, operational assignments, resource allocation, rescue operation readiness, and enhancing communication channels between agencies.