150 Community Boats Distributed To Ease Flood Evacuations

KUALA BERANG, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) has distributed 150 community boats nationwide in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season.

JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the boats would facilitate the prompt evacuation of flood victims by local communities.

He added that JBPM would also be on standby with larger boats to be used in case of stronger and swifter currents.

"We have completed the distribution of 150 community boats for the MTL. These boats enable communities to initiate early evacuation, thus addressing some logistical challenges we encounter.

"In the past, we faced problems during floods in urban areas because the water wasn't deep and there were many obstacles… so small and lighter boats were required. We have now resolved both of these issues,” he said after closing the Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) collaboration programme with JBPM at Hutan Lipur Sekayu here today.

Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said the JBPM has mobilised 24,000 personnel to prepare for floods expected to begin at the end of December.

He added that the government has also approved the procurement of 200 new vehicles, including boat towing vehicles and light operational vehicles, which are expected to be delivered early next year.

"JBPM also has additional assets, including 450 marine vehicles, 417 light transport vehicles and 119 heavy transport vehicles.

"These are some of the things we are enhancing to increase our capacity to respond to rescue and assistance operations," he said.

-- BERNAMA