Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is making thorough preparations to face potential floods following the continuous rain alert issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), which affects six states from yesterday until Monday. Its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, indicated that over 15,000 personnel have been placed on standby and are ready to be mobilised, particularly in the four northern states, with marine and air assets also under close monitoring.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nor Hisham highlighted that the weather pattern has shifted, with forecasts indicating rainfall beginning in the northern region before moving to the East Coast. Consequently, orders have been dispatched to the four northern states, and comprehensive preparations have been established to ensure the teams maintain maximum readiness. The director-general expressed relief that the high-tide phenomenon in the north is predicted to occur later, on December 4, providing a slight window of relief, but emphasized the need for full preparedness for any eventuality.

Nor Hisham shared these insights with reporters following the Fire Chef Competition and Public Awareness Campaign held in conjunction with the JBPM Innovation Week 2025 celebration. He added that the department would limit leave to only 20 percent of its personnel and officers to maintain optimal preparedness levels.

Yesterday, MetMalaysia issued a continuous rain alert for six states: Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak, specifically in the districts of Kerian, Larut Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, and Kuala Kangsar, effective until Monday, November 24. A similar alert was issued for Kelantan and Terengganu, expected to remain in force until Wednesday, November 26.

In response to a separate fire incident at Sekolah Kebangsaan Baling yesterday, Nor Hisham stated that investigations are ongoing. The department has not ruled out the possibility that the blaze was caused by the school's electrical wiring system. He noted the likelihood of electrical wiring involvement since the school was unoccupied during the incident. However, he refrained from drawing conclusions about the exact cause, which is still under investigation.

Nor Hisham also advised school administrations to conduct an audit of their electrical wiring systems every ten years to ensure the safety and integrity of school buildings.