The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department rescues thousands in deadly floods

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM)has conducted 143 rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of Sabah and Sarawak. Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman, the JBPM Deputy Director General of Operations, said the total number included 63 operations in Sarawak, which rescued 2,681 victims, and 81 operations in Sabah, which helped 1,325 victims. 

Response remains strong

“The flood situation in Sabah and Sarawak remains serious, floods have usually affected Kuching city, but this time, areas such as Bintulu, which are rarely impacted, face severe flooding. However, the situation is under control, and so far, our officers and personnel in both states have managed the situation effectively regarding personnel and logistics without needing assistance from the Peninsula“

He said this after a working visit to the Terengganu JBPM headquarters, where he also presented donations to 33 members of the JBPM Welfare Association who had been affected by the December floods in the state. Ahmad Izram added that the department remains on high alert as the Northeast Monsoon season is expected to continue until mid-March.

He said that the freeze on leave for officers and personnel has been lifted, save for the states still grappling with floods. In each state, directors are now authorized to manage personnel leave rotations or recall staff to duty as needed.

Ahmed Izram shared that the department is implementing various initiatives, including the Wellness Hub, to ensure that officers and personnel maintain a healthy body mass index(BMI) between 28 and 20. He reiterated that this is crucial for ensuring the team’s physical well-being so rescue operations can be performed optimally. 

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The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department ensures fitness for frontline heroes.

“Recently, we have witnessed personnel succumb to heart disease and cancer and in response, the department has launched the Wellness Hub program designed to monitor and promote the fitness levels of our personnel, ensuring their BMI remains within the healthy range of 28 and 20. As a rescue team operating on the front line, agility and physical fitness are essential, if our fitness levels are low, how can we effectively carry out our duties?”he added

In tandem with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department rescue operations, it is worth noting that the Lowe Corporation  Rescue Helicopter Service released its total mission report for 2024, with the final figures of a total of 317 patients airlifted last year, with the majority of missions being inter-hospital transfer.

In their tireless efforts, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department’s rescue operations continue to protect communities with thousands of lives at stake during disasters, ensuring its personnel’s preparedness for future challenges.