Home Ministry orders agencies to prepare for floods as monsoon season begins

A flooded house in Alor Setar, Kedah, October 26, 2026. The Home Ministry has ordered all its agencies and departments to take proactive steps to make thorough preparations for the North-east Monsoon, expected to begin this month and last until March next year. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 1:29 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 29 — The Home Ministry (KDN) has ordered all its agencies and departments to take proactive steps to make thorough preparations for the North-east Monsoon, expected to begin this month and last until March next year.

“Make sure our personnel are already trained, and our equipment is serviceable. There must be no boats with engines that fail to start when they are needed,” said Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman.

“There must be no coordination issues over who should be deployed or how operations should be carried out. All department heads are asked to take these matters into account from now on.

“Do not wait until the floods are severe before we act,” he said at the Home Ministry’s Monthly Assembly and Innovation Day celebration, attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail here today.

Also present were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah.

Earlier, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon is expected to begin on October 27 and continue until March next year.

Mohd Hisham said that between three and five episodes of continuous heavy rain are expected to hit the country during the early phase of the monsoon, from November to January.

Awang Alik, meanwhile, also stressed the importance of rebranding the ministry’s image to build public confidence and trust in the country’s security and enforcement services.

He outlined five key elements every member of the ministry must uphold: safeguarding the public’s experience through efficient and professional service; strengthening its reputation through integrity and transparency; consistency in standard operating procedures; clear dissemination of information; and respect for the ministry’s visual identity.

“Once the public has a bad experience with us, our image will be damaged forever. We want people to trust that this ministry offers a service that is transparent, highly principled and beyond reproach,” he said.

In the same vein, he urged all department heads to review their respective Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), given that only two to three months remain in this year’s implementation period.

“KPI achievement is a clear reflection of the quality of service we provide to the public. If we fail to meet them, it means we have failed to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us,” he said. — Bernama