Fire and Rescue Department mobilises 25,592 personnel, 1,248 assets ahead of Northeast Monsoon

JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department had strengthened its operational planning by ensuring personnel availability, asset and logistical readiness, and the strategic deployment of resources to deal with possible disasters throughout the period. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 8:51 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — A total of 25,592 officers and personnel of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), along with 1,248 assets, are on standby to face the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which is expected to begin tomorrow and last until March next year.

JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department had strengthened its operational planning by ensuring personnel availability, asset and logistical readiness, and the strategic deployment of resources to deal with possible disasters throughout the period.

He added that during the initial phase of the monsoon, from November this year to January next year, three to five episodes of continuous heavy rain were expected, potentially increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and locations near rivers.

The conditions could also cause rough seas and rising sea levels in the South China Sea, due to persistent northeast winds.

“Our priority is public safety. JBPM has formulated a comprehensive response strategy covering prevention and mitigation, planning and preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

In planning its operational preparedness, JBPM had taken into account 3,682 flood hotspots identified nationwide, based on data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). The data would serve as a guide in determining the priority deployment of personnel and assets, according to risk levels and on-the-ground requirements.

He said to expedite response efforts in high-risk areas, 29 Rapid Response Teams (PGC) had been mobilised, while Regional Forward Bases (RFB) in Penang, Terengganu and Johor had been activated to facilitate the deployment of personnel and assets to locations requiring assistance.

“In terms of personnel, JBPM’s preparedness plan includes 13,631 full-time fire officers (PSM), 2,227 Auxiliary Fire Officers (PBB), 8,956 Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS) members and 62 engineering personnel.

“Leave restrictions of between 80 and 100 per cent have also been imposed, according to operational needs, particularly in states at risk of being affected, to ensure sufficient personnel are available,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said rapid response capabilities had also been strengthened through the involvement of the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) and the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) to provide emergency medical assistance and carry out flood rescue operations.

“JBPM has also prepared 571 light transport vehicles, 144 heavy transport vehicles and 529 marine assets, in addition to four helicopters and three drones, to support rescue operations. It has also provided 150 community boats to help local residents take early action during emergencies, with due consideration given to safety,” he said.

Nor Hisham said that, apart from flood risks, JBPM was also monitoring expected weather changes during the final phase of the Northeast Monsoon, from January to March next year, when rainfall is expected to decrease, particularly in the northern part of the Peninsula and Sabah. Meanwhile, the influence of a very strong El Nino phenomenon could lead to hotter and drier conditions, and a higher risk of more extreme heatwaves.

“JBPM will continue to strengthen its preparedness and cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure that rescue operations and emergency assistance can be carried out efficiently and effectively, to protect lives, public safety and property throughout the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon,” he said. — Bernama