PUTRAJAYA: Fire and rescue department director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Hj. Wahid said leave for all fire and rescue department personnel nationwide would be frozen between November 4 and 30 to prepare for possible monsoon floods as well as the upcoming general election.

However, he said emergency, religious and medical-related leave would be exempted.

“As for the period between December 1 and January 15 next year, only 20% of fire and rescue personnel are allowed to take leave.”

He said the northeast monsoon is expected to last from mid-November until next March, with possible floods from November through January.

“According to the meteorological department, Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu will experience heavy downpours in November and December, while Johor, Sabah and Sarawak will see heavy rains from December to next February.”