328 Melaka APM Officers, Members On Alert For Northeast Monsoon

MELAKA, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- A total of 328 officers and members of the Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) are on high alert ahead of the northeast monsoon, which often brings heavy rain and floods to low-lying areas.

APM Melaka director Lt Col (PA) Kamarulsyah Muslim said the force, comprising 41 officers and 287 members, is ready for deployment throughout the monsoon season to respond to floods and storm-related emergencies.

“Officers and members have undergone prior training and all assets have been maintained to ensure readiness for the monsoon, expected to last until March next year,” he told reporters after the 2025 Melaka APM-Media Programme here today.

He said the force’s assets, including five trucks, 12 four-wheel-drive vehicles, 34 boats and 14 ambulances, are in good condition.

“We conduct drills in boat and engine handling, first aid, rescue operations, and equipment management,” he added.

Kamarulsyah said the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), chaired by Melaka State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, also held a coordination meeting to ensure logistics and equipment from all emergency and disaster relief agencies are deployment-ready.

“APM, as secretariat for state and district-level disaster management, works closely with other rescue agencies to ensure smooth operations at temporary relief centres and in aid distribution,” he said.

He added that APM Melaka participated in a disaster management simulation organised by the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) in Alor Gajah in October to further enhance preparedness.

The force has also met its annual recruitment target of 440 new volunteer members, including students from higher education institutions, who completed a three-day, two-night Basic Civil Defence Course.

“Volunteers undergo monthly training at district offices and APM units to strengthen skills in emergency assistance, AED use, small-scale fire control, and operational equipment handling,” he said.

-- BERNAMA