Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is strengthening its assets and logistics readiness in preparation for the expected impact of the 'Super El Nino' phenomenon at the end of this year, through the addition of new assets, including the receipt of 200 units of Light Operation Vehicles in stages starting this month.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohamad stated that the current focus is to ensure operational readiness is at an optimal level to face the increased risk of forest fires, peatland fires, and haze if the phenomenon occurs as predicted. The operational planning also considers the weather forecast of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), including the expected reduction in rainfall in several high-risk areas.
"The fire department's focus at the moment is how we deal with incidents that are expected to have an impact due to the Super El Ni±o that will occur between November and January," Nor Hisham mentioned during a press conference after the Media Engagement Session: Government Preparedness to Face the 2026 Southwest Monsoon.
Furthermore, the use of 26 drone units will be enhanced to assist in early monitoring of fire-risk areas, thus reducing dependence on air assets in monitoring operations. "We also have drones, to reduce the burden on our air assets to monitor fire locations and make plans (using drones)," he added.
The red hero team is expected to receive two additional helicopters at the end of November until January next year to strengthen air monitoring and firefighting operations. Nor Hisham also mentioned that they are considering the use of long-range drones for preliminary reconnaissance in large-scale fire areas before launching extinguishing operations, as cloud seeding operations were found unsuitable in the initial technical assessment.
In anticipation of worsening weather conditions, JBPM has identified high-risk locations and coordinated asset use with other agencies under the national disaster management mechanism to ensure a quick response if the situation becomes more critical. "And we have also examined 183 locations that need attention, namely hot spots, to see how logistics can be coordinated or distributed to other agencies," Nor Hisham said.
Recent media reports indicated that MetMalaysia expects temperatures in the country to potentially reach between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius in the northern and interior areas of the Peninsula if the "Super El Nino" phenomenon develops as predicted in the next few months.