KUCHING: The State’s Fire and Rescue Department is ready to mobilise its assets and personnel in the face of expected flooding during the year-end rainy season.
Its director Khirudin Drahman disclosed that various preparations have been made to ensure the department’s readiness including testing its assets and equipment which is being carried out simultaneously throughout Sarawak.
He said the department was also conducting surveillance and monitoring of lowland areas as well as areas where landslides are likely to occur.
“Besides that, simultaneous tests across the state will be carried out early next month to ensure that our boat engines are ready to roar.
“The department has 45 boats throughout Sarawak and we will also commence training in Kuching at the Satok suspension bridge up to the downstream of the Sarawak River,” he said in an interview with Suara Sarawak at the department’s headquarters in Jalan Setia Raja, here.
Khirudin said apart from strengthening personnel and assets, the department had also coordinated the setting up of temporary evacuation centres (PPSs) in line with the current pandemic situation.
“Due to the pandemic, the number of PPS has been increased from 400 to 700 to ensure there is physical distancing among flood victims.
“This is implemented to ensure that the PPSs will not be shut down or trigger any Covid-19 clusters,” he said.
In addition, he said, his department had also provided guidance and instructions to the public in preparation for the floods.
The guidelines and instructions would enable the flood victims to act immediately to rescue personal belongings and move to safe areas.
