Bomba, Civil Defence personnel set to respond to any eventualities
KUCHING: The State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and State Civil Defence Department (APM) are all geared up for the northeast monsoon which started Oct 27, and is expected to last until March next year.
State Bomba director Khirudin Drahman said that a number of boat-handling trainings have been conducted involving 10 Bomba stations throughout the state, including swimming courses for 30 Bomba personnel last Nov 8.
He said among the preparations involving logistics and manpower conducted by the state Bomba was the freezing of leave of 464 personnel at 10 stations in Kuching and Samarahan.
“Apart from that, we will also be assisted by the JBPM Volunteer Team (PBS) comprising 11 teams involving 479 people.
“The Community Bomba would also be deployed to help during the floods when needed, and this involves a total of 100 teams with the strength of 906 people,” said Khirudin when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune for his comment on the preparation for the year-end monsoon season.
He also noted that a total of 1,849 personnel would be called on duty and out on standby during the monsoon season.
“In terms of logistics, the stations have been equipped with a total of 16 aluminum boats, one Australian Rigid Inflatable Boat (ARIB), four 5-tonne lorries, 18 all-wheel drive utility vehicles and 190 sets of life jacket for rescue operations.
“Bomba Sarawak through the State Operations Centre will continue to monitor the weather and water level through www.publicinfobanjir.gov.my and also www.ihydro.sarawak.gov.my,” he said.
Apart from that, the situation would also be monitored through social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, information acquired through these methods have proven to be effective in the previous seasons.
Khirudin also advised the public to be aware of the latest news involving the weather and also be on alert towards instructions from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee, including district and division committees.
At the last State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said a total of RM400,000 was allocated by the federal government through the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund (KWABBN) to the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee as the preparation for the monsoon season.
He added that during the period, widespread heavy rain and flood in low-laying areas are expected to occur, and with the occurrence of King Tide, it is expected to be worst. Douglas also noted that a total of 15,152 officers and personnel from various enforcement and safety agencies in the state would be on standby.
Meanwhile, Corporal Mat Fazillah Mohd Rudy from State Civil Defence Department (JPAM), who is in charge of the operation, said that JPAM Kuching and Petra Jaya were ready for the year monsoon.
He added that Kuching and Petra Jaya stations – equipped with three ambulances, 11 boats (four aluminium boats, one fibre boat), two big bikes, three trucks, and manned by 100 volunteers – would be on standby.
“We have 18 personnel who will be on standby at the Ong Tiang Swee operations centre, together with 100 volunteers,” he said.
Mat also pointed out that JPAM would also focus on flood-prone areas in Kuching and Petra Jaya.
“Hot spots in Kuching will be in Rantau Panjang, Batu Kitang, Kampung Tengah Sungai (Sejijak) and Kampung Kudei,” he said.
