AUTHORITIES have identified 3,682 flood hotspots ahead of the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon, prompting the Fire and Rescue Department to mobilise 25,592 personnel, 1,248 assets and 29 rapid-response teams for potential disasters.
Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the resources were being readied to accelerate rescue operations and assistance in high-risk areas throughout the monsoon season, expected to continue until March next year.
Regional Forward Bases in Penang, Terengganu and Johor had also been activated to speed up the deployment of personnel and equipment to areas requiring assistance.
The department’s preparedness plan includes 13,631 full-time personnel, 2,227 auxiliary firefighters, 8,956 volunteer firefighters and 62 engineering personnel.
Leave restrictions of between 80 and 100 per cent would be imposed according to operational needs, particularly in states at risk, to ensure sufficient manpower was available.
The department has prepared 571 light transport vehicles, 144 heavy transport vehicles and 529 marine assets, alongside four helicopters and three drones, to support rescue operations. Another 150 community boats are available to help residents respond to emergencies, with safety as the priority.
Nor Hisham said three to five episodes of prolonged heavy rain were expected during the initial monsoon phase from November 2026 to January 2027, raising flood risks in low-lying areas and locations near rivers.
Persistent northeast winds could also bring rough seas and rising sea levels along the South China Sea coast.
The department is strengthening operational readiness through strategic deployment of personnel and assets, logistics coordination, and training exercises. Emergency medical and water rescue teams will also support medical assistance and operations to save flood victims.
For the final phase, from January to March 2027, rainfall is expected to decrease, particularly in northern Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. However, a very strong El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions and increase the risk of extreme heatwaves.
Nor Hisham urged the public to monitor weather updates, follow authorities’ instructions and heed official forecasts and warnings from the Malaysian Meteorological Department through [www.met.gov.my](http://www.met.gov.my), the myCuaca application and its official social media channels.
He said the department would continue working with other agencies to ensure emergency assistance and rescue operations could be carried out effectively to protect lives and property throughout the monsoon season. - October 27, 2026
