JBPM Fortifies Logistics And Marine Assets Ahead Of Northeast Monsoon

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Preparations for this year's Northeast Monsoon have been intensified, with a specific focus on maintaining logistical assets and enhancing the capacity of rescue teams nationwide, said Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.

Speaking to Bernama after addressing the department’s September monthly assembly, he said proactive measures such as field training exercises, logistical preparations, and the maintenance of transport vehicles and heavy machinery have been taken to ensure an optimal level of preparedness.  

“Thankfully, this year we have received a special allocation for major maintenance of our transport vehicles and lorries. We have already begun repair works. Insya-Allah, our preparations are better in terms of heavy machinery this year.

“We have also procured and distributed 150 community boats to our Volunteer Firefighter and community firefighter units,” he said.

The 2025/2026 Northeast Monsoon is expected to begin next month and last until March 2026, with a transitional monsoon phase forecast from late October until November this year.

Earlier in his address, he said JBPM identified a need to enhance its marine assets, such as Fire Rescue Boats, highlighting that they are critical for operations in water-based villages, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

"These residential structures are only accessible via waterways, requiring specialised rescue assets to enable firefighting, rescue and evacuation more efficiently," he said.

"Furthermore, some areas can only be reached by river or open water. These conditions need larger boats that can also function as platforms for firefighters to rest and recuperate during extended missions," he explained.

As such, JBPM has procured five Fire Rescue Boats to boost its marine capabilities. A prototype boat is expected to be delivered by July 2026, with the remaining units scheduled to be supplied within the following 24 months, by 2027.

-- BERNAMA