Kuala Lumpur: The floods that hit Malaysia in 2024 resulted in losses amounting to RM933.4 million, as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad highlighted that Kelantan experienced the highest loss among the states, with RM139 million in residential property damage. The districts of Pasir Mas, Tumpat, and Kota Bharu were the most affected, suffering damages of RM46.2 million, RM31.7 million, and RM19.2 million, respectively.

Datuk Nor Hisham emphasized the significance of effective disaster management strategies and mitigation efforts at the state level. He stressed the need for the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department to analyze the data thoroughly to enhance planning, including manpower deployment, asset readiness, and emergency response strategies.

The department has increased its readiness nationwide due to changing weather patterns expected to bring heavy, localized afternoon rains, raising the risk of flash floods. Fire stations and personnel across the country have been instructed to remain on standby, following flash flood incidents in six districts, including areas in Selangor, Johor, and Sabah.

Early warnings have been issued to firefighting teams to prepare better, especially in high-risk areas, as flash floods tend to have a greater impact compared to monsoon floods due to their sudden nature, leaving residents with little time to prepare.