JBPM ready to face draught, fire - DG

ALOR SETAR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department are ready to mobilise its assets and personnel to face any eventualities during the dry season that is expected to last till September.

Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said though the weather condition in the country remains uncertain with unexpected thunderstorms causing havoc, the department will continue to prepare for any natural disasters.

“JBPM is always looking out for changes in the weather condition and gather information or data from the relevant agencies. We continue to monitor hotspots in Selangor, Pahang, Johor, Perak, Penang, Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak.

“We have identified the ‘hotspot’ states first before focusing on districts that are prone to fires. Assets used for fighting forest fires have been equipped for the frontline to ease rescue operations,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he attended the 2021 Excellence Service Awards and presented certificates for firefighters from Kedah and Perlis who have completed 30 years of service.

Also present was Kedah Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon and Perlis director Ruhisha Haris.

Mohammad Hamdan hoped communities in their respective areas will also play a role in helping the department by providing first hand information if there were to be any disasters or fire.

“The management of landfills are also advised to avoid burning activities to prevent haze that can cause health problems to the public.

“Recently Air Pollution Index in East Malaysia reached 180 and that is not good for health,” he said.

He said the JBPM had also formed a Special Water Rescue Team (SWART) to monitor and prevent drowning cases as well as fire.

“Currently we have a SWART team in Pantai Chenang, Langkawi comprising people from the local community,” he said.

-- BERNAMA