THERE were 5,648 flood hotspots in 163 districts nationwide as authorities prepared to face the northeast monsoon, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said.

He said the effort would facilitate the initial planning of deployment and security intervention plans.

He said police have told the people, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate with authorities when asked to evacuate.

He said 61,839 security workers from five agencies, including the police force, were ready to be mobilised.

“The security agencies are the Fire and Rescue Department (24,114 workers), police (19,085), the Civil Defence Force (10,510), the Malaysian Armed Forces (4,205) and the People’s Volunteer Corps (3,925),” he said.

He said the operation would be led by Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Hazani Ghazali, who was appointed Central Disaster Operations commander.

Razarudin said meticulous planning was done for the monsoon, set to start in November and last until March.

He said police were preparing to mobilise 503 boats, 206 boat trailers, 497 lorries, 802 four-wheel drive vehicles, 17 ambulances, 15 jet skis, 6,028 life jackets, and eight aircraft.

“Police will work closely with other security agencies to ensure every mission to help and rescue victims can be carried out quickly,” he said.

He said cops would ensure the level of security, including at national borders, remained a focus throughout the floods. – Bernama, October 25, 2023.