Selangor Fire Department Freezes Leave for 1,603 Personnel, on Alert for Floods

KUALA SELANGOR: The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has frozen leave for 1,603 officers and personnel to ensure preparedness for potential flooding following the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) this month.

Selangor JBPM Operations Division Assistant Director Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the precautionary measure also took into account the possibility of a high tide phenomenon expected this weekend.

“With the onset of the Northeast Monsoon transition, we have issued instructions to all fire stations to restrict leave approvals rather than granting them as usual. Leave will only be approved for emergencies.

“Currently, we have a workforce of 1,603 personnel, including auxiliary firefighters and full-time officers. All personnel will be on duty and remain on standby,” he told reporters.

He was speaking after attending a briefing and accompanying Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on a visit to a retention pond at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus here today.

Meanwhile, Ashrul Riezal said Selangor JBPM had inspected and tested all its assets and equipment to ensure they were in good condition and ready for deployment during emergencies.

He said monitoring had also been intensified at all identified flood hotspots, alongside strengthened cooperation with local volunteer fire brigades comprising 45 teams across the state.

“We have also held discussions and meetings with local volunteer fire brigades. We currently have 1,251 registered volunteer firefighters across 45 teams.

“They are ready to assist. Sometimes, even before we request assistance, they have already responded to help their local communities,” he said.

He also advised the public to remain cautious, plan their journeys carefully and avoid recklessly attempting to cross flooded areas to prevent safety risks and unwanted incidents.

He said the public should also comply with further instructions from the authorities to ensure their own safety and that of their families, particularly during flood emergencies.

Earlier, Media Selangor reported that a high tide phenomenon, with sea levels expected to reach 5.2 metres, was forecast to occur in Port Klang from November 7 to 11.

The Klang District Disaster Management Committee said the highest tide level was expected to be recorded at 5.02am on November 8 (Sunday), placing it within the warning category.

MEDIA SELANGOR