By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 1: Members of the public must exercise caution when they conduct outdoor activities as the country enters the northeast monsoon transition phase.
Reminding the public that the changing weather condition must be taken seriously, Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Datu Khirudin Drahman said outdoor enthusiasts must remain vigilant due to expected heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The northeast monsoon is expected to start end of this year until the early next year.
“To date, we have identified 310 flood-prone areas, 97 road cut-off locations, and 77 landslide locations. All our fire stations in Sarawak have studied and identified these areas.
“Full preparations to face the annual monsoon season have begun for our side in Sarawak. Our logistics are ready on standby, such as 48 boats, 87 four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, 16 lorries, and one helicopter. At the same time, we have 1,590 manpower (firefighters) on the frontline at these hotspots,” Khirudin said during an exercise and boat testing session for preparation to face the northeast monsoon at Bako today.
For the Kuching Zone, the exercise held at Kampung Bako up to Bako National Park was led by Khirudin.
Sarawak assistant director of operations Henderi Ardimansyah, Bako Park ranger Mohamad Assamin, auxiliary firefighters (PBB) and Bako Indah volunteer firefighters were also involved in the exercise. — DayakDaily
