GOVERNMENT RAMPS UP READINESS FOR NORTHEAST MONSOON - FAHMI

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government has strengthened nationwide preparedness for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which began yesterday, with enhanced coordination across agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

Its spokesperson, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has identified 3,682 flood hotspots nationwide, while the MAF’s participation has been activated and is on standby for deployment under Op Murni.

Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said the Department of Minerals and Geoscience has also identified 254 critical slopes, and 1,768 hydrology stations, 614 flood-warning sirens and 285 pump houses have been prepared for the monsoon.

“Additional mobile pumps have been deployed. Several dams have also been flagged - if water levels exceed critical thresholds, intervention measures will be taken to ensure the safety of nearby residents,” he said at a post-Cabinet press conference today.

On communication readiness, he said upgrades have been carried out on several telecommunications towers to prevent service disruption during floods.

“These upgrades include raising equipment previously located at ground level to prevent them from being submerged. I’ve seen the completed work in several flood-prone areas in Sabah, and preparations are progressing well,” he said.

Fahmi added that temporary evacuation centres will be equipped with Starlink or WiFi to ensure evacuees have reliable internet access.

Earlier today, MetMalaysia deputy director-general (Operations) Ambun Dindang said Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are expected to be the first states hit by continuous heavy rainfall during the monsoon, which began yesterday and is forecast to last until March next year.

He noted the monsoon usually impacts these states from November to December before extending to Pahang and Johor in the next phase.

-- BERNAMA