THE Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is mobilising 24,000 personnel nationwide in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) which is expected to begin later this year.
Its Director-General, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said the force involved full-time personnel, auxiliary firefighters and nearly 9,000 volunteer firefighters.
“Initial preparations have begun and this year we are strengthening the team’s response capabilities.
“A total of 24,000 personnel have been identified to be mobilised, including 2,315 auxiliary firefighters and 8,956 volunteer firefighters,” he said today.
According to him, 150 new community boats have been distributed to flood-risk locations to enable local residents to act quickly before rescue teams arrive in the affected areas.
“These community boats are equipped with a 15 horsepower engine and are 14 feet in size, suitable for operations in shallow and narrow urban flood areas.
“This effort can reduce logistical challenges and speed up rescue operations,” he said.
In addition, he said, JBPM also has additional assets including 450 marine vehicles, 417 light wheeled transport vehicles and 119 heavy transport vehicles.
“The government has also approved the procurement of 200 new vehicles including boat towing vehicles and light operation vehicles which are expected to be supplied early next year.
"With this acquisition, JBPM's preparedness is expected to be stronger, especially when the La Niña phenomenon is predicted to occur at the end of December to early January," he said.
Meanwhile, Nor Hisham also expressed his appreciation to the Sabah JBPM and other rescue agencies who successfully dealt with the recent flood and landslide incidents in six districts in the state.
"Quick cooperation, including the movement of heavy machinery on the ground, is very important to ensure that rescue operations run smoothly and the risk of collapse can be avoided," he said. – September 21, 2025
