Continuous Rain Alert In Six States : Fire Dept Ready For Possible Floods

JITRA, 22 Nov (Bernama) — The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is making thorough preparations to face potential floods following the continuous rain alert issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), which affects six states from yesterday until Monday.

Its director-general,  Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said more than 15,000 personnel have been placed on standby and are ready to be mobilised, particularly in the four northern states, with marine and air assets also under close monitoring.

“The weather trend this time has shifted. Forecasts indicate that rainfall will start in the northern region before moving to the East Coast. Therefore, orders have been issued to the four northern states, and detailed preparations have been made to ensure our teams are at their highest level of readiness.

“I am grateful that the high-tide phenomenon in the north is expected to occur later, on Dec 4. This gives us a slight window of relief. However, we must still be fully prepared and ready for any eventuality,” he said.

He told reporters this after the Fire Chef Competition and Public Awareness Campaign held in conjunction with the JBPM Innovation Week 2025 celebration today.

Nor Hisham said the department had also decided that only 20 per cent of its personnel and officers would be allowed to take leave to ensure preparedness remained at an optimum level.

Yesterday, MetMalaysia issued a continuous rain alert involving six states — Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak (specifically the districts of Kerian, Larut Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar) — effective until Monday (Nov 24).

A similar alert was also issued for Kelantan and Terengganu, which is expected to remain in force until Wednesday (Nov 26).

Commenting on the fire incident at Sekolah Kebangsaan Baling yesterday, Nor Hisham said investigations were ongoing, and the department did not rule out the possibility that the blaze was caused by the school's electrical wiring system.

“It is most likely related to electrical wiring, as no one was in the school when the incident occurred. However, I do not want to jump to conclusions about the exact cause, whether it involved the control box, internal wiring or electrical equipment. The matter is still under investigation,” he said.

He also advised school administrations to conduct an audit of their electrical wiring system every 10 years to ensure the safety and integrity of school buildings.

-- BERNAMA