Health Ministry deploys 387 personnel in 85 teams for monsoon flood response

An aerial view shows houses surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain in Tumpat in this file picture dated December 2, 2024. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has prepared 85 Emergency Medical Teams comprising 387 personnel to respond to possible flooding during the 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon (MTL). — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 09 Nov 2026 7:37 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 9 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has prepared 85 Emergency Medical Teams comprising 387 personnel to respond to possible flooding during the 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon (MTL).

In a statement today, the ministry said these comprised 36 Rapid Assessment and Health Rapid Response Teams, 34 Medical Rapid Response Teams and 15 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) teams.

“The teams will be mobilised as required to conduct health risk assessments, provide medical services and emergency treatment, carry out surveillance and control of infectious diseases, as well as provide mental health and psychosocial support to flood victims,” it said.

The ministry has also made available 128 vehicles to support personnel mobilisation and field operations, while flood-related medicine supplies at warehouses operated by concessionaire suppliers remain stable, with stocks estimated to last between one and three months.

Through the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), State Health Departments, District Health Offices and healthcare facilities nationwide, the ministry has also stepped up preparedness to ensure continued healthcare services, particularly in flood-prone areas.

The National CPRC has been in Alert Mode since October 27, with continuous monitoring of flood situations, healthcare facility preparedness and coordination of response measures with State Health Departments and relevant agencies.

The ministry said healthcare facilities at risk of flooding had also been identified, together with alternative facilities in the event of operational disruptions. Plans were also in place for the early transfer of high-risk patients, including pregnant women and those requiring haemodialysis.

As of 6am today, floods had been reported in Selangor and Perak, affecting 987 people from 283 families, who were housed at seven active temporary relief centres (PPS).

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) expects three to five monsoon surges during the North-east Monsoon, which could bring heavy rain, particularly to the eastern and southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia, eastern Sabah, and western and southern Sarawak.

The ministry said the risk of flooding could increase if prolonged rain coincided with high tides.

At relief centres, the ministry provides health assessments, infectious disease monitoring, environmental hygiene inspections, food and water safety checks, vector control, as well as mental health and psychosocial support.

These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of flood-related illnesses, including diarrhoea, food poisoning, leptospirosis and respiratory tract infections.

The ministry also advised the public to use clean and safe drinking water, consume properly cooked food and avoid food contaminated by floodwaters.

People were also advised to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, wash their hands frequently with clean water and soap, and avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated floodwaters.

“Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and muscle pain after exposure to floodwaters are advised to seek immediate medical examination and treatment at healthcare facilities,” the ministry said.

The ministry also reminded patients with chronic illnesses, senior citizens, pregnant women and children to ensure continuity of treatment and adequate medication supplies in the event they need to move to relief centres. — Bernama