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KUALA LUMPUR – Police inspector-general Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani has indicated that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will face constraints in in its relief operations if floods strike during the 15th general election (GE15), said caretaker home minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said.
He said for the polls, PDRM will assign over 94,000 of its 120,000 personnel compared to almost 75,000 during GE14 as a result of the automatic registration of Malaysians aged 18 and above as voters.
Hamzah added that PDRM is ready to mobilise some 21,019 officers and personnel nationwide in preparation for the monsoon floods.
He said 1,681 assets – including 367 boats, 845 four-wheel-drive vehicles, 454 lorries, and 11 air assets – are also ready to be dispatched according to need and current developments.
“I have also asked all state and district police chiefs to make early preparations to lead flood operations centres in their respective areas.
“In addition, 4,367 officers and personnel of the People’s Volunteer Corps, along with assets (comprising) 41 three-tonne lorries and 36 four-wheel-drive vehicles are also on standby mode,” he told a special media conference on flood operations in Bukit Aman here today.
Hamzah also said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has been tasked with providing flood relief assistance such as food supplies and essential items to flood-hit islands, as well as to evacuate flood victims through air transport.
He said there have also been reports of floods in Tg Karang in Selangor; Baling in Kedah; and Kuala Pilah in Negri Sembilan, as well as several areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Evacuation centres have been opened in those areas and relief efforts are being carried out,” he said.
“Those who require information regarding the flood situation can contact the PDRM Control Centre at 03-2266-3333/03-2266-3444/03-2266-3451 or MERS 999,” he said. – Bernama, October 12, 2022