The National Unity and National Integration Department has activated the unity squad to face any possible flooding during the Northeast Monsoon season, which is expected to begin next month.
According to its director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud on Sunday (Oct 29), the unity squad comprises members of neighbourhood watches who will assist flood victims in their area.
He also mentioned that the squad will collaborate with various agencies to ensure the safety of residents in flood-hit regions.
“When the monsoon season starts every November, it is highly likely that floods will occur in the east coast. We have the unity squad committee that will assist whenever there is a flood disaster affecting the community,” he stated.
Furthermore, he added, “The unity squad will work alongside the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, police, and other agencies.”
Che Roslan highlighted that the squad will also monitor flood-prone areas in the states periodically.
“At headquarters, we don’t have specific allocations, but we will unite with all agencies to provide assistance. The most important thing is our willingness to aid other agencies that have special allocations,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Che Roslan urged residents in flood-prone regions to remain vigilant at all times.
He advised all parties to be prepared and cooperate with security agencies if instructed to evacuate to safer locations.
Recently, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) advised the public to stay alert to weather changes, as there are expected to be four to six episodes of heavy rainfall from next month until February 2024, which may lead to floods in risk-prone regions.
Dr. Fariza Yunus, the director of MetMalaysia’s National Weather and Geophysics Operation Centre, stated that these weather changes will occur due to the Northeast Monsoon season, commencing in mid-November and ending in March 2024. – Bernama
