PUCHONG: All eyes are on the skies as Malaysia braces for the north-east monsoon.
Heavy, continuous rains are on the horizon, with Sabah forecast to experience above-average rainfall due to the La Nina weather phenomenon.
Authorities, meanwhile, are all geared up to tackle this head-on, with more than 100,000 personnel and nearly 40,000 assets ready nationwide
“Among the forecast areas are the east coast and north of Sabah,” he said during a media engagement event organised by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) on preparations for the north-east monsoon here yesterday.
He said Sabah is expected to experience episodes of above- average rainfall between Dec-ember and February.
“Our teams will be monitoring the situation daily,” he said.
Ambun said Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak are also forecast to experience heavy, continuous downpours between November and Dec-ember.
The situation is expected to persist in Pahang, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak in January next year.
Sabah and Sarawak are also forecast to experience heavy, continuous rainfall next February.
“The said areas are expected to receive regular rainfall except for Sabah. Below average rainfall has, meanwhile, been forecast in west Sarawak in March next year,” he said.
Ambun said warnings on extreme weather episodes will be issued at least a week prior to the incidents.
Warnings on continuous rain, strong winds, and rough seas will also be issued at least three days prior to the episodes.
“Updated forecasts will be issued daily,” he said.
Nadma director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said more than 100,000 personnel will be on standby for the coming north-east monsoon season.
This comprises personnel from the Armed Forces (4,770), police (20,600), Fire and Rescue Department (15,640), Civil Defence Force (15,390), and Rela (47,100).
Close to 40,000 assets have also been readied in preparation for the year-end monsoon.
This includes 2,555 boats, 1,843 four-wheel drives, 1,172 trucks, 25 helicopters, and 34,092 lifejackets.
He added that 3,683 flood hotspots have been identified nationwide based on Irrigation and Drainage Department findings.
“Regardless, the government is prepared for the coming north-east monsoon season,” he told reporters after the briefing yesterday.
Abdul Halim said coordination among agencies has been improved compared with the north-east monsoon last year.
“The distribution of the Bantuan Wang Ihsan aid has also been improved, with more efficient payouts,” he said.
He added that residents play an equally vital role in flood operations.
“Take note of the early signs, such as rising waters, among others. Please evacuate once you notice this,” he said.
On a related matter, Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said 29 specialised rapid response teams are on standby nationwide to strengthen flood rescues.
He said these teams will focus solely on floods to minimise disruption to daily station operations.
“Our stations have boats and other flood rescue assets, but officers must also stand by for fires and other emergencies. The rapid response teams, however, will be ready to respond to flood emergencies directly,” he said.
He added that each team comprises about 18 personnel and that several operating bases nationwide have been established to store flood rescue assets.
“If there is a forecast, the team can obtain the assets there directly,” he added.
