Armed Forces ready to mobilise personnel, assets during floods - Hishammuddin

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and its assets are fully prepared to be deployed to face the flood season this year.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the ministry had also set up a Disaster Management Steering Committee and activated its 'War Room' to monitor the monsoon season.

"The committee was established to ensure information received was accurate to facilitate the channeling of flood assistance effectively and to reach those in need.

"The War Room, activated on Nov 16, would act as the Mindef Disaster Operation Room to monitor the flood situation nationwide," he told reporters after attending a briefing on the Defence Ministry's Flood Preparations here today.

He said the armed forces would be deploying 1,572 officers and 27,021 personnel of various ranks to cope with the monsoon season this year.

"Apart from that, the armed forces will also be mobilising 1,487 assets as preparations for the floods this season.

"The assets include 358 boats, 852 three-tonne trucks, 25 seven-tonne trucks, 118 ambulances, one CN 235, one C130 aircraft, nine helicopters, 12 ships, eight Navy CB90 assault boats, two sets of compact 100 bridge, 22 sets of floatable platform as well as 79 field kitchens," he said.

Hishammuddin said the ministry was also providing a contribution collection centre for flood victims and that so far a collection centre had been opened at the Defence Reserve Depot in Sungai Buloh.