RANTAU PANJANG FIRE STATION SET TO RELOCATE AMID ANNUAL FLOODS

TUMPAT, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), which is frequently affected by annual floods, will be relocated to a more strategic site next year, said Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) Operations Division director Nordin Pauzi.

He said the government, through JBPM, had approved an allocation of RM3 million for preliminary works, including procurement, soil treatment and site preparation.

The choice of the new site, he added, would take into account access to main roads, safety aspects and geographic suitability.

“The Rantau Panjang station will be the second one after the Beaufort BBP in Sabah to be relocated due to flooding. Construction of the new Rantau Panjang station is expected to begin next year, with additional funding to be sought under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP),” he said.

He told reporters after the 2025 Northeast Monsoon Flood Operations Logistics Testing and Inspection Day at the Pengkalan Kubor BBP here today, which was also attended by Kelantan JBPM director Farhan Sufyan Borhan.

Nordin said it was essential to relocate the Rantau Panjang BBP, which is in one of the flood-prone hotspots, to ensure smooth rescue operations for affected residents.

“The current station is frequently submerged each year, making access to main roads difficult, thus hindering the movement of rescue teams to surrounding areas,” he said, adding that the JBPM will be on the alert throughout the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, Nordin said JBPM has also established a Pasukan Gerak Cepat (Rapid Action Squad) nationwide, comprising 29 teams.

He added that the squad, comprising skilled officers and personnel from Emergency Medical Rescue Services and the PPDA (Water Rescue Unit), would be deployed immediately upon receiving any notice or weather forecasts indicating heavy rain and potential flooding.

“These teams can be mobilised from across the country to ensure a prompt response. In addition, the JBPM has a Regional Forward Base (RFB) in Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu, serving the East Coast region,” he said.

The RFB houses logistics, such as lorries and boats, to facilitate rapid deployment during floods, supporting both manpower and logistics in neighbouring states.

-- BERNAMA