Monsoon Transition: Johor JBPM Focuses On 745 Flood Hotspots

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is making preparations to face the Northeast Monsoon transition expected in October, focusing on 745 flood hotspots statewide.

Its director, Siti Rohani Nadir, said 15 boats have been distributed to Community Firefighters in high-risk areas to strengthen preparedness.

“We have also received two utility vehicles, a Compact Fire Rescue Tender engine and a smoke tent, which will speed up disaster response,” she told reporters after Johor JBPM’s monthly assembly at the Johor Jaya Fire and Rescue Station here today.

Batu Pahat has the highest number of hotspots at 186, followed by Segamat (103), Muar (87), Kluang (78), Tangkak (59), Pontian (58), Kota Tinggi (56), Johor Bahru (44), Mersing (38) and Kulai (36).

“We have already seen heavy rain and minor floods. October will be the month of full preparedness,” she said.

On recent tremors in Segamat, Siti Rohani said JBPM is ready to respond to possible earthquakes, although monitoring is under the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

“Our elite Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) is on standby for immediate deployment,” she said, adding that the Johor JBPM has introduced a new Key Performance Indicator for earthquake response.

A series of minor earthquakes were reported in Segamat and Batu Pahat, beginning on Aug 24 with a 4.1-magnitude tremor, followed by seven aftershocks of 2.5 to 3.4 magnitude between Aug 27 and Sept 3.

-- BERNAMA