KEDAH ACTIVATES PKOB TO PREPARE FOR MONSOON TRANSITION PHASE

ALOR SETAR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The Kedah government has activated the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) in preparation for the monsoon transition phase, which is expected to start tomorrow and last until early November.

State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Major (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria said the centre operates in collaboration with various agencies and departments to ensure assistance for the public during disasters such as floods and storms.

“We have acted early; the PKOB in Kedah is operational even in the absence of disasters or during minor incidents. In the event of major incidents, we activate the centre in each district, led by district officers.

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“We are working with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the National Security Council (MKN), the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM),” he told reporters when asked about the state government’s preparations for the anticipated monsoon transition phase.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the monsoon transition phase is expected to bring weak winds from various directions across the country.

This situation may lead to thunderstorms that typically bring heavy rain and strong winds for short durations, particularly in the evenings and early nights in most areas of the west and interior of the Peninsula, as well as in west Sabah and west and central Sarawak.

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Meanwhile, when asked about the actions taken by local authorities (PBT) regarding uprooted trees caused by strong winds or storms, Mansor said that he had instructed all PBTs to monitor trees that are at risk of falling.

“We cannot simply cut down these trees, as they are planted to withstand the wind and enhance the landscape. However, if a tree is leaning to the extent that it endangers safety, potentially causing injury or damaging property, we will cut it down.

“If the tree is in good condition, we will take early action by pruning the large branches. We do not cut down healthy trees because they take many years to grow; some can be 40 to 50 years old,” he said.

In response to a question about the closure of business premises owned by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), Mansor said that the PBT would shut down any premises found to be violating their licensing conditions.

“So far, we have not detected any activities that violate the business licensing conditions. As long as they are not proven guilty, we will not take action unless, for example, if a premises designated as a restaurant is found to be conducting other activities, we will take appropriate action,” he said.

-- BERNAMA