MELAKA: Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) director and highly experienced rescuer Lt-Col Cuthbert John Martin Quarda is all geared up for rescue missions as heavy rains and floods are due to hit the state in view of the coming monsoon season.

       Martin Quarda from Penampang, Sabah, and his team of 30 officers and 230 personnel are on standby to ensure smooth evacuation operations for flood victims.

       “I will be with my team through thick and thin and coordinate all the rescue tasks,” he said in an interview.

       Martin Quarda said the APM was ready to face any natural disaster including heavy rains and floods despite the current Covid-19 pandemic.

       “We are ready with assets such as five lorries, nine ambulances, 18 boats and one jet-ski,” he said.

       Martin Quarda said APM would also refer and seek advice from the district health office before performing any rescue operations.

       State rural development, flood management and green technology committee chairman Datuk Seri Idris Haron said clogged drains and indiscriminate disposal of garbage could aggravate the flood situation.

       He said Melaka had 124 flood-prone areas – 59 in Melaka Tengah, 42 in Jasin and 23 in Alor Gajah.

       Idris also said they had also outlined drainage master plans and short, medium and long-term strategies to prevent flooding.

       “High-risk areas have been identified to activate action plans in case of continuous rainfall,” he said.

       “Localised projection on the rainfall and weather patterns will also be shared with relevant agencies to put in place an early contingency plan.”