KOTA BARU, Oct 24 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has instructed its 24,283 officers, personnel and volunteers to be prepared to face the possibility of flood during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season this year.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said a freeze on leave is also affecting more than 80 per cent of 13,475 officers and personnel.

"Even though only 20 per cent 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.

He told reporters after an official working visit to Kelantan JBPM office in Tunjong here today.

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

This action is based on the 2023 weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) which expects the East Coast to be the first phase state to be involved in flooding.

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

According to him the team has various expertise consisting of Water Rescue Team (PPDA), boat handling skills and emergency service assistance (EMRS).

He said they were also given special vehicles such as aircraft including helipads in several locations along with assets suitable for flood rescue operations. — Bernama