KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire and Rescue Department has stepped up its readiness in six states following continuous rain and water rising in several areas.

       Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (pic) said department personnel are on 24-hour standby in areas at high risk of floods to conduct rescue efforts, including relocating victims to temporary relief centres.

       “Part of the preparation involves deploying 7,257 personnel in the six states: Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka, Johor and Negri Sembilan.

       “In terms of logistics, we have added 203 marine vehicles, 63 pickup vehicles and 173 utility vehicles,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday (Jan 3).

       Monitoring will be conducted in stages and all reports from the department will be shared on social media, he added.

       “We will increase the number of assets if the need arises,” he said, adding that Sabah is also experiencing floods in several areas.

       “I am aware of people sharing the situation there and surely Bomba is always ready to serve,” he said.