In anticipation of the Northeast Monsoon, the Johor Civil Defence Force (APM) has taken steps to ensure that its assets and manpower are sufficient to handle flooding.
The Director of Johor APM, Kamal Mokhtar, stated that 1,264 officers and staff, as well as 72 boats and 34 cars, were prepared to be sent out to assist the impacted citizens.
Since activating its Flood Operations Room on 1st November, Johor APM has located 874 flood hotspots.
“Johor APM has also implemented the ‘Disaster Risk Reduction’ in efforts to lessen the risk of disasters, covering the elements of training and mitigation plans. Through the ‘Programme for Local Engagement Approach for Disaster and Emergency Response’ (LEADER), 65,701 people have been trained.
“This programme encompasses safety lectures for residents who are at risk and safety programmes for students of primary and secondary schools as well as those from institutions of higher learning,” he said in a statement.
According to Kamal, residents in high-risk areas can participate in the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) programme at the local level.
“Every household head has been advised to prepare a ‘Ready to Go Bag’ containing important documents, emergency clothing, medicines, torchlights, ready-to-eat food, and other necessities for emergency use.
“The public has also been advised to keep track of weather conditions and be ready to be evacuated to temporary flood relief centres (PPS) if their areas are flooded,” he said.
The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) predicts that the Northeast Monsoon will begin on 11th November and last until March 2024.
The early monsoon phase, which is expected to last from this month to January of next year, is expected to bring heavy rains to Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and western Sarawak.
