KOTA TINGGI, Dec 21 — The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) has declared full preparedness for potential flood incidents, with around 5,000 officers and personnel nationwide ready to be mobilised if the next flood wave strikes, as the Northeast Monsoon is forecast to persist until March.
APM Training Management Division director Colonel (PA) Effendy Ali said their readiness will be reinforced by the Civil Defence Auxiliary (CDA) with membership currently reaching approximately 5,000. CDA members act as frontliners capable of immediate response.
“If their own areas are unaffected, trained CDA members will be deployed to assist communities elsewhere. Their involvement greatly enhances our operational strength,” he said at the Madani Adopted Village Programme at Felda Air Tawar 1.
Effendy said all APM assets are in operational condition and can be activated instantly. He reminded residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to stay vigilant, monitor weather updates and prepare emergency essentials, including securing personal documents.
He shared that today’s community programme involved a series of initiatives such as CDA training for residents, embankment stabilisation near a local clinic, widening alternative access roads and improving various public facilities.
In addition, APM has been actively conducting Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) exercises to educate communities on emergency preparedness. Preventive works including removal of hazardous trees and assistance in cleaning homes of vulnerable residents were also carried out.
Effendy emphasised that preparedness, continuous cooperation from communities and strong agency coordination are key to reducing risks during flood disasters.