By Sheeda Fathil
SEPANG, Oct 29 — A total of 1,553 members of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Selangor are preparing for the North East Monsoon season which is expected to occur from November to March next year.
Its director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said all its members had undergone boat handling strengthening training and water rescue training.
“We also increased boats from 46 to 81 units and asset inspections are also done periodically to ensure they are in good condition when needed.
“We are also assisted by the volunteer fire brigade and cooperation with several other agencies to face any possibility in the event of a disaster,” he said yesterday.
Earlier he attended the launch of the Northeast Monsoon Preparedness Month and the Water Activities Safety Campaign which was carried out by State executive councillor for Disaster Management Najwan Halimi Najwan Halimi at Taman Tasik in Cyberjaya here.
Wan Md Razali said holidays for all members were also frozen as needed and working hours would also change to 24 hours depending on the current situation.
He added that his party has identified 390 locations at risk of flooding with Hulu Langat recording the highest number of areas at 78 and Klang with 65 high risk areas.
Meanwhile, he said Sepang also recorded locations at risk of flooding involving 54 areas followed by Kuala Selangor with 51, Petaling with 44, Gombak with 33, Kuala Langat with 30 with, Sabak Bernam with 20 with and Hulu Selangor with 15 high risk areas.
