THE Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has instructed its personnel and volunteers to get ready to face floods during the northeast monsoon season this year. 

Its director-general, Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said restrictions on taking leave will affect more than 80% of its workforce. 

“Even though only 20% of its staff are allowed to take leave, it is subject to the disaster situation, which will be assessed according to stages. 

“The leave freeze will start as soon as the flood secretariat declares flood operation in the district or state,” he said.   

Abdul Wahab said the department planned to have a forward base for the East Coast to station its assets earlier including the JBPM Academy in Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu. 

This was based on the 2023 weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Department, which expects the East Coast to get hit first by flooding. 

“JBPM also created 13 rapid action teams with a total of 15 officers and members for each team,” he said. 

He said the teams had expertise in water rescue, boat handling, and emergency service assistance.  

He added that they were given aircraft in several locations along with assets suitable for flood rescue operations. – Bernama, October 24, 2023.