Skuad Kilat at the ready in Johor Baru

JOHOR Baru City Council’s (MBJB) special emergency response team is prepared at all times to face any natural disaster that may hit the city.

Skuad Kilat chief operation officer Mohd Faizal Hassan said it had been more than two years since the city council established the team.

He said MBJB was the first local authority in Johor to have such a team and other local councils in the state followed suit.

“Skuad Kilat’s objective is to provide immediate assistance when natural disasters such as floods or landslides happen in locations within our jurisdiction,” he told StarMetro.

Mohd Faizal, who is also MBJB Health Department (environment, promotion and health education) assistant director, said the special team comprised 15 personnel and possessed equipment such as chainsaws and blowers to be used in emergency calls.

He said MBJB was looking at strengthening the team soon by increasing its assets to include two motorcycles and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

“Since we set up Skuad Kilat, we have received emergency calls on flash floods and fallen trees because of thunderstorms, resulting in blocked roads and danger to public safety.

“We immediately deploy the team to the location and carry out work to fix the issue,” he said.

He added that with the recent bad weather in Johor Baru, the team had been on standby for emergencies.

“Usually, complaints are made through the MBJB complaints number, but we also monitor social media besides getting information from our councillors when natural disasters hit their areas,” said Mohd Faizal.

He said Skuad Kilat personnel would also frequently inspect drains and potholes.

“If we spot clogged drains, potholes or even rubbish piling up during our rounds, we will channel this to the relevant agencies so that action can be taken immediately,” he added.