Kelantan Readies Over 19,000 Flood Assets For Monsoon Season 

KOTA BHARU, Oct 10 (Bernama) — The Kelantan government has ramped up its flood preparedness by readying 19,619 various assets ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said the number of assets this year exceeds the 17,147 assets available last year.

He said that these assets include a variety of vehicles, machinery, boats, cubic tents, generators, and other equipment, all of which are ready for use.

“The state government is taking seriously the Meteorological Department’s forecast that Kelantan will experience heavy rains starting from November until February 2025.

“Therefore, the welfare, well-being, and safety of the people in this state during the monsoon season remain a top priority for the government. This will be implemented in coordination with federal and state agencies,” he said in a statement today.

As part of its preparations, 459 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) have been identified across Kelantan, which can accommodate more than 186,440 flood victims, compared to last year's 214 PPS.

Mohd Nassuruddin said the government will also ensure adequate food supplies and basic necessities, supported by a disaster supply depot, 17 disaster storage facilities, and more than 160 forward bases throughout the state, all managed by the Social Welfare Department.

Additionally, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage has prepared more than 100 rain and water level telemetry stations, 137 mobile pumps, 59 flood warning sirens, an agricultural dam, and four retention ponds.

In response to the upcoming monsoon season, 7,209 personnel, including those from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department, and 10 other agencies, are on standby to be deployed.

“The number of personnel has also been increased compared to 7,147 last year,” Mohd Nassuruddin added.

He urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and to follow the instructions of the authorities.

Mohd Nassuruddin advised that when a flood warning is issued, residents should immediately move to designated PPS or a safer location.

“I also ask that people store important documents, medications, and essential supplies in an easily accessible place,” he said.

He further advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and to keep updated on weather conditions and information from official channels.

— BERNAMA