FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION IN REMOTE AREAS
KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is collaborating with the Radio Emergency Drone Sarawak (Reds) on the use of amateur radio to ensure good communication with firefighters in remote areas.
Bomba director Khirudin Drahman said at Mulu Cave or other interior areas with no radio or telephone access, amateur radio could come in handy to help firefighters at the scene report updates on any incidents.
“If we look at the current situation, the government integrated radio network (GIRN) for Sarawak is very limited.
“We can only communicate within a 50-km radius from the centre but with the assistance from Reds, we can use amateur radio to communicate with the centre.
“Hence, the department is appealing to the Sarawak government to assist in providing a subsidy to Reds for equipment maintenance,” he told reporters after Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the handing over of vehicles and equipment at the Bomba headquarters at Jalan Setia Raja.
Khirudin pointed out that members of Reds, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), were mostly former army and security personnel who were skilful in using amateur radio.
Khirudin added that they used their own pocket money to maintain their equipment.
“In two recent missing cases that happened in Singai, Bau, Reds has helped us in terms of communication.
“When our members enter the forest, they use our equipment to communicate. This is very helpful so that we can channel accurate information to our operations centre and medical team on standby.
“Another example is the Mulu incident last year. The amateur radio helped us to communicate with the helicopter unit so that it could land without wasting any time.
“Every second is important to save the victim who is in a critical condition and in need of medical attention,” he explained.
Khirudin said he welcomed the collaboration with Reds but the NGO required funding for equipment maintenance.
Dr Sim, in his response, said the federal government, state government and NGOs should work together for the benefit of the people.
During today’s ceremony, the minister handed over four Mitsubishi Tritons, three rapid intervention motorcycles (RIM), personal protective equipments (PPEs) in the form of fire fighting suits and helmets to fire stations in the state.
