Health Ministry on Flood Alert, Prepares 85 Medical Teams
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has prepared 85 Emergency Medical Teams comprising 387 personnel to deal with potential floods during the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
In a statement on Monday, the MOH said the teams comprised 36 Rapid Assessment and Health Rapid Response Teams, 34 Medical Rapid Response Teams and 15 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Teams.
“The teams will be deployed as needed to conduct health risk assessments, provide medical services and emergency treatment, carry out infectious disease surveillance and control, and offer mental health and psychosocial support to flood victims,” the statement said.
The MOH has also prepared 128 vehicles to support personnel mobilisation and field operations, while supplies of flood-related medicines at concession suppliers’ warehouses remain stable, with stocks estimated to last between one and three months.
In addition, the MOH, through the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), state health departments (JKN), district health offices and healthcare facilities nationwide, has strengthened preparedness to ensure the continuity of healthcare services, particularly in flood-prone areas.
The National CPRC has been on alert since October 27, with continuous monitoring of flood conditions, healthcare facility preparedness and coordination of response measures with state health departments and relevant agencies.
The MOH said it had also identified healthcare facilities at risk of flooding and alternative facilities in the event of operational disruptions, alongside plans for the early evacuation of high-risk patients, including pregnant women and patients requiring haemodialysis treatment.
At temporary evacuation centres (PPS), the MOH will provide health assessment services, infectious disease monitoring, environmental hygiene inspections, food and water safety checks, vector control, and mental health and psychosocial support.
These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of flood-related illnesses, including diarrhoea, food poisoning, leptospirosis and respiratory tract infections.
The MOH also advised the public to use clean and safe drinking water, consume thoroughly cooked food and avoid food contaminated by floodwater.
Members of the public were also advised to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, wash their hands frequently with clean water and soap, and avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated floodwater.
“Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and muscle pain after exposure to floodwater are advised to seek immediate medical examination and treatment at healthcare facilities,” the statement said.
The MOH also reminded patients with chronic illnesses, the elderly, pregnant women and children to ensure continuity of treatment and sufficient medication supplies if they need to relocate to temporary evacuation centres.