MTL: Low-lying Areas Near Three River Basins In Kelantan At Risk Of Flooding - JBPM

KOTA BHARU, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Low-lying areas near the basins of the Sungai Kelantan, Sungai Golok, and Sungai Galas have been identified as flood-risk locations during this Northeast Monsoon (MTL), said Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Farhan Sufyan Borhan.

He said that all three basins and river stretches involved all 10 districts in the state.

"This risk assessment does not mean that the entire area in each district will be affected, but rather it is more focused on settlements near river basins and low-lying areas that are at risk of flooding," he said to Bernama.

Meanwhile, he said the preparedness level of the Kelantan JBPM is currently at 90 per cent, with inspections of equipment and operational assets being carried out to ensure everything functions well in facing the monsoon season.

Farhan Sufyan said that Kelantan JBPM has 22 fire stations with a total strength of 663 personnel, in addition to 223 Auxiliary Fire Brigade members ready to assist in rescue operations.

He said the department also received support from 16 active Volunteer Fire Brigades and 51 Community Fire Brigades to assist in rescue operations and provide aid to residents during floods.

However, Farhan Sufyan said that the existing personnel and assets are insufficient if Kelantan is hit by a major flood like the one that occurred in 2014 and 2024, especially in terms of operational asset needs.

He said the regional forward base, which is usually stationed in Terengganu, will assist operations in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang in the event of floods that require additional personnel and rescue assets.

Farhan Sufyan added that JBPM is also planning to use the regional forward base concept to enable the deployment of personnel and assets from other states, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Putrajaya, to areas in need of assistance during disasters.

-- BERNAMA