MEMBERS of the Civil Defence Force (CDF) have the authority to order flood victims to evacuate if necessary, according to CDF deputy chief commissioner (operations) Norhafifi Ismail.

He said this was covered under section 4C of the Malaysia Civil Defence Force Act 1951, which explains the authority issued to any member of the CDF to order the evacuation of any area, building or location, including to detain, transfer or cause the transfer of those who do not obey instructions to evacuate.

“It has to be stated that for the monsoon period, the CDF will implement this authority conscientiously and will request the public evacuate early or when ordered to for the safety of all.

“For this purpose, the CDF urges the public to obey the mandatory evacuation order if instructed to do so,” he said.

He said that 10,510 CDF members will be on duty throughout the monsoon.

“Simulation training has been implemented in each zone, including centre management, search and rescue operations and community-based disaster risk management as preparations for any possibilities,” Norhafifi added.

The CDF will also assist during the general election, including monitoring and patrols, assisting security forces in channelling voters, and emergency and first aid treatment.

“This year, there might be a bit of difficulty because there is the possibility of voting centres doubling as relief centres,” he said. – Bernama, October 29, 2022.