Nearly 5,500 flood hotspots identified throughout the country

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is ready to deploy 16,612 personnel including 782 officers as soon as floods occur, especially at the 5,496 hotspots identified throughout the country, says Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said preparations involved officers and members of the force in all states with 4,301 acting as first responder teams to carry out rescue work and move victims to temporary relief centres (PPS) as soon as possible.

As for the movement of assets, Hishammuddin said 1,102 land assets and 251 boat units, 295 boat engines and 5,573 life jackets had been prepared.

"The movement of MAF members and assets around the country is flexible and MAF is capable of raising the number of members and assets at any time if needed, in line with the instructions of the National Security Council," he said.

Hishammuddin said this at a press conference after handing over flood assets to the Pahang state government represented by Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the Kuantan Air Base yesterday.
 
Also present were army chief General Zamrose Mohd Zain and state administration heads.

Hishammuddin said Chief of Defence Forces Affendi Buang and the other service chiefs had been ordered to ensure that the readiness of MAF personnel is at the highest level, especially in states at risk of flooding.

In addition, Hishammuddin said, the involvement of MAF through Operasi Murni will include, among others, the readiness of MAF medical teams to provide medical assistance at PPS and field hospitals in locations in need.

The operation also involves coordinating MAF aircraft assistance and carrying out operations to deliver essential goods to PPS and cut-off areas, as well as post-flood operations such as cleaning and repair work.

"Overall, MAF is prepared to deal with flood disasters, including if it happens during the general election, and the public is asked to obey the instruction of the authorities if a flood occurs," he said.