By Nur Aishah Mohd Amin
KUALA LANGAT, Oct 26 — The disaster management simulation and practical training for the Kuala Langat district conducted earlier today focused on the effectiveness of using satellite radios, as part of the preparations in facing the Northeast Monsoon.
District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) chairman Muhammad Heeza Hassan said the effectiveness of using the Government-Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) is crucial when it concerns the launching of operations to rescue victims.
“The disaster management simulation and practical training session emphasised the usage of communicating with GIRN. The training today allowed us to determine how effective it is in conveying information.
“In previous instances, rescue teams faced the problem of communications cutting off as the phone line had no signal during disasters. Subsequently, rescue teams utilised radios which are directly transmitted from satellites, which enable all agencies to be in contact with one another,” he said.
Muhammad Heeza was speaking at the inspection of the training session, off the coast of the Kampung Olak Lempit mine, which saw the participation of 100 personnel from various state agencies.
They included the Kuala Langat Municipal Council, the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defense Force, the District Health Office, the Social Welfare Department, the Information Department, and Air Selangor.
Running from 8am to 12pm, the committee chairman also inspected the level of readiness of the agencies involved, in boat handling and water rescue operations.
“The practical training, as well as boat handling and water rescue operations simulations, were carried out so as to provide continuous exposure and training to rescue team and to ensure all assets remain in good condition,” he said.
Earlier on, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said a disaster management simulation and practical training programme for Selangor was organised to expose the participating agencies to the responsibilities of mobilising search-and-rescue operations, opening operations rooms, and providing aid.
On September 28, 67 agencies and 343 participants took part in the two-day session, at Dewan Jubli Perak in the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam.
State Secretariat Office Division Secretary (Management Services) Muhamad Shah Osmin said the programme is aimed at ensuring all participating agencies are prepared, in terms of services, equipment and assets, to face any disasters.
