Perak: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad today conducted an aerial survey of 15 hotspot locations identified as high-risk disaster areas in the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) stated in a Facebook post that the surveillance covered areas in Kinta, Changkat Jering, and Kinta Kampar, which are prone to floods and water surges. Bukit Merah, identified as a region susceptible to forest fires and drought, was also included in the survey.
The statement further detailed that Saarani monitored the Menora Tunnel along the PLUS Expressway, recognized as an accident-prone area, as well as Lenggong, which has a high potential for landslides. The aerial operation was conducted using the department's AW189 aircraft from the Air Division, departing from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, and lasted around two hours.
The monitored areas included Ulu Chepor Recreational Park, Kledang Sayung, and the PLUS Expressway in Kinta, while in Changkat Jering, the focus was on Kampung Bendang Siam and the Bukit Jana Waterfall. In Bukit Merah, Gunung Semanggol and Tasek Bukit Merah were surveyed, and in Lenggong, Kuak Hill Resort and Dataran Tasek Raban were observed. The Kinta Kampar region included areas around Sungai Siput and Gopeng.
The inspection team comprised JBPM Air Division director Datuk Norazam Khamis, Perak State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, and Perak JBPM deputy director Yusri Mohd Yusoff @ Hashim. Meanwhile, the Perak JBPM identified 332 flood-prone hotspots across the state, with Kuala Kangsar having the highest number at 76. Other areas include Kinta and Kerian with 59 each, and Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS) with 57.
Regarding landslide-prone areas, Kinta recorded 14 locations, while Hulu Perak had eight. LMS reported six locations, Kuala Kangsar four, Kampar three, and Muallim and Batang Padang with one each. For water surge-prone areas, Kinta recorded eight locations, LMS four, and Hulu Perak, Kampar, and Kuala Kangsar with three each. Forest fire-prone areas were noted with Kerian at seven locations, followed by Hulu Perak with five, and Perak Tengah, Manjung, and LMS with two each.
Saarani emphasized on his Facebook page the importance of the information provided by the Perak JBPM for early mitigation measures in collaboration with various departments and security agencies. He highlighted the need for an integrated preparedness approach to ensure swift and effective activation of the emergency response plan. He urged the public to remain cautious, especially in high-risk areas, and to report any early signs of incidents to the authorities.
Saarani also mentioned the state's commitment to improving disaster management plans, including risk mapping, early warning systems, and logistical support to assist residents in high-risk areas.