THE Fire and Rescue Department has identified 4,795 flood-prone locations nationwide.

Its operations director Ahmad Izram Osman said the country is in the northeast monsoon transition season which have caused heavy rain and flooding affecting several states, such as in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. He said the department is ready with all personnel, assets and standard operating procedure to face any potential disaster.

“We will collaborate with the Malaysian Meteorological Department to monitor and assess the weather every three hours. 

“As for weather forecasts, rainfall, and wind conditions, data will be gathered by the operations management centre at the headquarters as well as in each state to facilitate the necessary implementation or precautionary measures,” he told reporters.

Izram added that 7,920 volunteer firefighters nationwide will support flood relief efforts, in addition to the 14,000 permanent members of the Fire and Rescue Department.

In another development, Izram said 41 Fire and Rescue Department officers faced disciplinary action for various misconduct cases, including drug abuse, absenteeism, engaging in illicit relationships, close proximity (khalwat), sexual crimes, corruption, and abuse of power from January until yesterday.

“The actions taken involve penalties such as dismissal, fines, salary suspension, salary reduction, and revocation of emolument rights,” he said.

The fire department also received 50 complaints from January until yesterday involving its personnel, with the majority of them related to power abuse, he added. – Bernama, September 26, 2023.