PETALING JAYA, Nov 14 — Some 1,400 Selangor Fire and Rescue Department personnel will patrol flood-prone areas around the clock this week due to the king tide. 

The personnel, from 32 fire stations, will be assisted by 850 volunteer firemen from 21 teams in the state.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operations) Mohd Sani Harul said they have identified high-risk areas and they would monitor them closely.

They are Kampung Tok Muda, Klang; Batu 5, Kapar; and Kampung Sungai Air Tawar and Tebuk Mendeling in Sabak Bernam.

Mohd Sani said Pasir Penampang, Bagan Pasir and Pantai Remis in Kuala Selangor, Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang, and Pantai Kelanang and Pantai Tanjung Sepat in Kuala Langat were also being observed.

"We identified these places as medium-risk zones. Regardless, we will ensure rescue workers in these areas are prepared in case of an emergency,” he said.

Forty-six firetrucks, 40 rescue boats and 18 lorries from stations across the state are also on standby.

Meanwhile, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is working on upgrading the flood forecast and alert system which makes it possible to forecast floods seven days before they happen, compared to the present six hours.

With the Flood Forecast and Alert Programme (PRAB), flood alerts can be made two days earlier compared to the present six hours.

According to DID director-general Datuk Seri Zulkefli Hassan, the PRAB which issues earlier flood forecast and alerts would make the process of flood evacuation and management easier.

"At present, flood alerts can be issued six hours before it happens, and this makes it difficult to carry out the best evacuation and management. This project will save many more lives and property as well as lessen the damage on public amenities structure,” he said yesterday.

He said a total of RM550 million had been allocated for the PRAB, involving 40 major river basins, where flood forecast and alerts would be made with the support of data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

He said there was also a need to increase public awareness of the need to heed early warnings.

Zulkefli said a holistic approach was needed to ensure national water resources were given serious attention and care.