SUB-DISTRICT offices will be used as a forward operating base to deal with likely floods, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said.

He said the move was taken so that state assets could be deployed easily and speedily for search and rescue operations in the event of a flood disaster.

“Later on, other agencies and bodies involved will also be located there to facilitate rescue operations,” he said in Shah Alam today.

Meanwhile Amirudin said the flood mitigation project, which will only start in January next year while there is a risk of flooding at the end of this year, requires a huge budget and several processes are involved.

“The projects involving the federal government come to RM4.6 billion and will start in January. We are required to implement certain processes and we have carried out the initial part for the purchase of pumps.

“It also involves dredging, embankment construction and so forth, which takes time for us to complete. Earlier, we have improved the drainage system and several other areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said starting tomorrow, 40 Selangor volunteers will be trained by the water rescue team (PPDA) in preparation for the floods.

“We have been given the responsibility to train the volunteers in handling flood victims, identifying risks and the basics of performing first aid.

“They will be with us or if there is a flood in their area, they can immediately help with the evacuation or rescue operation at the early stage,” he said, adding that the training will last for four days.

In addition, Norazam said 72 lifeboats have been prepared in Selangor to face the floods. – Bernama, October 12, 2022.