KLUANG, Oct 17 — The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is strengthening its preparedness for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) by operating its operations control centres around the clock to coordinate emergency responses and disaster relief.
APM Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Ghazali Abd Rahman said the move was backed by improved communication systems and closer coordination with agencies on disaster management committees at various levels to address the risks of floods, water surges and landslides.
He said communication between the southern, eastern and central zones would be improved to ensure effective coordination and allow personnel from other zones to be deployed to disaster-hit areas.
“Effective communication between zones will enable additional members to be deployed to support the more than 12,000 personnel on standby for the 2026/2027 MTL.
“We will mobilise support teams from the respective zones and work together across zones to conduct exercises and assist one another during disasters,” he said.
He was speaking after the closing ceremony of the 2026 APM Strategic Partnership Programme with the Media for the Southern Zone at the Southern Region Civil Defence Training Centre here today.
Ghazali said APM was also stepping up preparedness by improving personnel skills, maintaining and expanding its assets and logistics to ensure smooth rescue operations throughout the monsoon season.
He also welcomed the increase in allowances for APM volunteers announced in Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with rates for personnel rising from RM8 to RM9 and those for officers from RM9.80 to RM10.80.
“Although the increase may seem small, it will boost morale and encourage personnel to provide the best possible service to the public and the country,” he said. — Bernama
*Editor’s note: The abbreviation APM in Malay stands for Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia, or the Malaysian Civil Defence Force. MTL stands for Monsun Timur Laut, or the Northeast Monsoon.