More than 1,000 police personnel ready for mobilisation in Sarawak in event of flood

KUCHING: Over 1,000 police personnel in Sarawak are ready to be mobilised in the event of flooding, says state police commissioner Comm Datuk Mancha Ata.

He said they comprised 187 senior officers and 1,075 lower-ranked personnel from various departments and districts statewide.

“According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the northeast monsoon in the country will last from Nov 11 to March next year,” said Comm Mancha.

“Our personnel and assets are ready to be mobilised at any time should floods occur in the state,” he added when speaking at a press conference at the state police headquarters here on Thursday (Dec 14).

Comm Mancha said the state police contingent has prepared 1,335 assets to be used in flood operations.

These include 348 land assets, 832 river and sea assets and one helicopter, as well as 144 support assets such as tents and generator sets.

He also said flood operations would involve other agencies including the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force and Welfare Department.

“Police will act as flood operations commander, assisted by the Fire and Rescue Department and work with the agencies involved in disaster management in saving lives and property,” he said, adding that five flood simulation exercises had been held as early preparations.

Comm Mancha advised the public, especially those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to be prepared.

“Keep important documents in a safe place and be on the alert for early flood warnings or instructions to evacuate,” he said.