KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department has carried out 143 rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Sabah and Sarawak.

Its deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman said 2,681 victims were rescued in 62 operations in Sarawak, while 1,325 victims were saved in 81 operations in Sabah.

“The flood situation in Sabah and Sarawak remains serious.

“In Sarawak, floods usually affect Kuching city, but this time, areas such as Bintulu, which are rarely impacted, are also facing severe flooding. However, the situation is under control.

“So far, our officers and personnel in both states have managed the situation effectively, both in terms of personnel and logistics, without the need for assistance from the peninsula,” he said after a working visit to the department’s Terengganu headquarters, Bernama reported.

He also presented donations to 33 members of the department’s Welfare Association who had been affected by the December floods in the state.

Ahmad Izram added that the department remains on high alert as the northeast monsoon season is expected to continue until midmarch.

However, he noted that the freeze on leave for officers and personnel has been lifted, with the exception of states still grappling with floods.

Directors in each state are now authorised to manage personnel leave rotations or even recall staff if needed.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Izram said the department is implementing various initiatives, including the “wellness hub”, to ensure that personnel maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) between 28 and 20.

He stressed that this is crucial to ensure the physical well-being of the team, enabling them to perform operations effectively.

“Recently, we have witnessed personnel succumb to heart disease and cancer. In response, the department has launched the ‘wellness hub’ programme.

“It is designed to monitor and promote the fitness levels of our personnel.

“As a rescue team operating on the front line, agility and physical fitness are essential. If our fitness levels are low, how can we effectively carry out our duties?” Ahmad Izram added.