By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Nov 1 — The local councils in Selangor have been stepping up in preparations for the floods that could occur this month.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the planning included having rescue officers on the ground, the necessary assets and the need to evacuate affected residents.
“A few weeks before, we announced our plans, which include enlisting the assistance of over 15,000 rescue officers, vehicles and machinery as well as sending volunteers to train with firefighters.
“We also focused on maintaining the drainage system and getting the full support of all state executive councillors and state assemblymen in efforts to face the floods,” he said when launching the Sungai Klang river deepening project in Kota Kemuning, here today.
On October 12, 37 Selangor Volunteers (Serve) members had undergone training with the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department on saving flood victims.
Apart from that, a total of 67 agencies and 343 personnel took part in the Selangor disaster simulation and practical training to ensure that every agency involved are prepared to handle any potential disaster.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has identified eight Selangor districts as flood hotspots during the monsoon season, including Klang, Petaling, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Sepang, Kuala Langat, Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor.
