Remembering 2014’s great flood, Kelantan firefighters prepare for another big test

KOTA BHARU, Nov 9 — The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Malaysia is leveraging its experience from the 2014 floods to bolster its readiness for potential extreme disasters. JBPM Director Farhan Sufyan Borhan highlighted the 2014 floods' massive scale and the subsequent challenges to rescue operations. Despite having a service continuity plan, the disaster overwhelmed state resources, necessitating assistance from other states.

Farhan emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and training to ensure smooth coordination during the critical early hours of a disaster, which often present the greatest challenges. He also proposed establishing a regional forward base to enhance response capabilities for future major floods. The Malaysian Meteorological Department recently issued a continuous rain warning for several areas in Kelantan, Pahang, Sabah, and Terengganu, raising concerns for potential flooding in nine Kelantan districts over the next few days.