SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has set up three forward bases (PKH) in critical areas at flood-prone locations in Selangor, namely at Batu 14, Sungai Lui, both in Hulu Langat, and Taman Sri Muda here to speed up the movement of rescue operations.

Its Selangor director, Datuk Norazam Khamis said the initiative was taken as part of the preparation to face the North East Monsoon season this year.

The move was also taken based on the experience of the major floods last year, especially on the long time taken in mobilising rescue operations to Taman Sri Muda, he said.

"We are now prepared. We have set up tents and placed firefighters, machinery and boats at the PKHs, which are closer to flood locations," he told Bernama.

He said the PKH had been operating round the clock since last month.

Norazam said all the PKHs were equipped with firefighting assets such as four-wheel drive vehicles, boats and fire engines.

The department, he said, was also working with companies appointed by the state government, such as KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) and the local government authorities.

"KDEBWM provides facilities such as tents, while the local government authorities, such as Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), provide basic needs such as water supply, and portable toilets.

"They will also assist us in our operations through the Skuad Pantas," he added.

--BERNAMA