THE Civil Defence Force (APM) has strengthened its nationwide readiness for potential flooding by combining official data with real-time monitoring, including viral reports shared on social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.
APM Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Ghazali Abd Rahman said the expanded monitoring approach is aimed at ensuring the agency can detect emerging disasters more swiftly, enabling rescue and relief operations to be deployed without delay.
“APM has been preparing well in advance for the 2025/2026 Northeast Monsoon, which runs from November to March next year, including training for our officers and personnel, preparing operational assets, and continuously monitoring hotspot areas,” he said.
He explained that information shared online by residents would now be treated as early indicators of distress.
“In addition, we are also monitoring reports or information circulated on social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook by residents so that they can be used as early data to channel assistance without waiting for formal complaints from victims,” he added while speaking after officiating the Penang APM Appreciation Ceremony at the Industrial Training Institute in Kepala Batas.
Seventy APM personnel were honoured with certificates and medals for their contributions and achievements during the event.
Ghazali said the force currently has 789 land-based assets and 1,121 water-operation assets nationwide, supported by more than 20 drones for aerial surveillance during rescue missions.
He added that APM continues to closely monitor weather developments in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department, acting according to established disaster response plans whenever necessary.
“Overall, we have 15,392 personnel across the country who can be mobilised during the Northeast Monsoon. At present, we are monitoring areas identified as flood-prone and hotspot locations as provided by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS),” he said.
He emphasised that the efficient management of temporary evacuation centres remains a key priority to ensure the orderly relocation of flood victims.
“The management of temporary evacuation centres is also a primary focus to ensure that disaster evacuation operations can be conducted efficiently and systematically. We want to ensure that every officer is capable of managing evacuation centres properly, especially during the relocation of disaster victims,” he said.
Ghazali added that APM is also strengthening coordination and information-sharing among relevant agencies, particularly in the mobilisation of assets and personnel to affected locations. - November 21, 2025
