GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Fire and Rescue Department has identified 51 flash flood hotspots across the state and intensified daily patrols ahead of the northeast monsoon.
Its director, Mohamad Shoki Hamzah, said Seberang Perai Tengah recorded the highest number of hotspots at 18, followed by Barat Daya (13), Timur Laut (10), Seberang Perai Utara (six) and Seberang Perai Selatan (six).
On the island, areas receiving particular attention include Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Patani, Jalan Mahsuri, Balik Pulau, and the vicinity of Teluk Kumbar, including Kampung Paya and Kampung Suluk.
“In Seberang Perai, high-risk areas include Sungai Jawi, Kampung Valdor, Sungai Juru, the area around SP Arena, Sungai Jarak in Tasek Gelugor, and several villages in Bertam, including Kampung Permatang Saga and Kampung Lahar Tiang,” he said.
Shoki said daily patrols and continuous monitoring were being conducted at the identified locations to enable personnel to respond promptly to flash floods or rising river levels.
To ensure operational readiness, he said the department was maintaining at least 80 per cent of its personnel on duty at fire stations, with leave applications strictly regulated throughout the monsoon season.
He said the department also conducted a Flood Operation Logistics Testing and Inspection Day simultaneously at all fire stations yesterday to assess the readiness of assets and equipment.
“The inspections covered rescue boats, land-based machinery, utility vehicles and supporting equipment, including personal flotation devices (PFDs) and chainsaws.
“Testing is essential to ensure that all assets are in optimal condition and functioning properly,” he said.
He said the department’s Water Rescue Team had undergone intensive refresher training at Pulau Kendi in mid-October to enhance its technical skills, diving capabilities and water-based evacuation operations.
Meanwhile, Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim said a meeting of the Penang Contingent-level Disaster Operations Response Committee was held last Friday to strengthen disaster preparedness among police and relevant agencies for the monsoon.
He said discussions focused on human resource capacity, asset and logistics readiness, and inter-agency coordination in responding to potential disasters.
“The discussions also centred on refining disaster response plans, coordinating operational assignments and resource allocation, ensuring readiness for rescue operations, and enhancing communication channels between agencies,” he said.