Defence forces chief Affendi Buang said initially 109 personnel were mobilised for the immediate clean-up operation.

“With the additional staff, we now have a manpower strength of 500.

“Our troop will focus on public facilities such as schools and houses of worship,” he said during the Op Murni press conference here today.

According to Affendi, the armed forces would be mobilising assets such as backhoes and tippers. Flood relief work will be coordinated with the Shah Alam city council.

Besides Selangor, the armed forces will also be helping out in Pahang, which has also been badly hit by floods.

Affendi said rugged mobility vehicles suitable for transportation would be mobilised there.

“Apart from our combat boats, we will be using seven- and three-tonne trucks that can go through floods.”

Work is also progressing on the compact Bailey single-lane temporary bridge in Kampung Bemban, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan.

“Construction work on the bridge will begin after the state works department has constructed the embankment for us,” he said.