SHAH ALAM, Oct 21 — Nearly 10,000 firefighters in Selangor are on standby for the upcoming northeast monsoon, expected to occur from next month until March next year.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said the preparedness involves 1,752 JBPM officers, 1,212 volunteer firefighters, and 6,876 community firefighters, totalling 9,840 personnel statewide.
“All areas declared as flood hotspots and high-risk zones by the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) will receive special attention. This year, we are focusing on 68 hotspot locations, the highest being in Klang (21), followed by Hulu Langat (10), and Sepang (nine).
“A total of 291 areas have also been identified as flood-prone, including Klang (64), Hulu Langat (42), and Petaling (38),” he told Media Selangor today.
Razali added that JBPM is also utilising technology, including tactical drones, to monitor and assess flood-affected areas.
“Continuous monitoring is crucial as our personnel face different challenges in urban and rural areas. In urban areas, inadequate or clogged drainage systems cause water levels to rise rapidly, hindering fire engine access.
“In rural areas, roads are easily cut off and landslide risks make search-and-rescue operations even more difficult,” he said.
Razali also advised residents to remain alert to weather warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the local authorities.
“Residents should keep important documents, medicines, and clothing in elevated places, and prepare dry food supplies in case they are stranded. Avoid activities near rivers or waterways during heavy rain,” he said.
On 8 October, MetMalaysia announced that between five and seven episodes of continuous heavy rain are expected across most states during the 2025/2026 northeast monsoon.
