KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 6 — The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has frozen leave for 1,603 officers and personnel to ensure readiness for potential flooding risks as the northeast monsoon sets in this month.
Its Operations Division assistant director Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the precautionary measure also takes into account the possibility of a high tide phenomenon expected this weekend.
“With the onset of the northeast monsoon transition, we have issued directives to all fire stations to restrict leave and not approve it as usual. Only emergency leave will be granted.
“We currently have 1,603 personnel, including volunteer firefighters and full-time officers. All personnel will remain on duty and on standby,” he said.
Ashrul was speaking to the media after attending a briefing and accompanying Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari to inspect a retention pond at Universiti Teknologi MARA's Puncak Alam campus today.
He added that Selangor JBPM has inspected and tested all its assets and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition and ready for use during emergencies.
Monitoring at all identified flood-prone hotspots has also been intensified, alongside efforts to strengthen co-operation with local volunteer fire brigades, which comprise 45 teams throughout the state.
“We also held discussions and co-ordination meetings with local volunteer fire brigades. We have 1,251 registered volunteer firefighters across 45 teams.
“They are ready to provide assistance. Sometimes, even before we request help, they have already responded to assist their local communities,” Ashrul said.
He advised the public to stay cautious, plan their journeys, and avoid driving or walking recklessly through floodwaters to prevent safety risks and untoward incidents.
The public should comply with further instructions from the authorities to safeguard themselves and their families, particularly during floods.
Earlier, Media Selangor reported that a high tide phenomenon, with sea levels expected to reach 5.2m, was forecast at Port Klang from tomorrow until Wednesday (November 11).
The Klang District Disaster Management Committee said the highest level was expected at 5.02am on Sunday (November 8), placing it within the warning category.
