Cuthbert (second left) checks the engine of one of the fibreglass boats.
KUCHING: The Civil Defence Force (APM) is fully prepared for challenges that may arise during this monsoon season in the state, with additional logistics from the federal government.
Its state deputy director Cuthbert John Martin Quadra said they had recently been equipped with additional logistics including 45 fibreglass boats, life jackets and lifebuoys.
“The 45 units of fibreglass boats, nine feet long, are timely for us as we prepare for the monsoon season, which already started on Oct 24.
“The rainy season has begun in Kuching where we have been getting higher volume of rainfall,” he told reporters at the state APM Training Centre at Jalan Diplomatic off Jalan Bako here today.
Cuthbert said the APM will soon distribute the new logistics across the state to ensure that its divisional offices are better equipped.
“This is to ensure that all officers and personnel are prepared for whatever challenges we are going to face.”
To a question, he declined to reveal the value of the new logistics recently distributed to Sarawak by Putrajaya.
Instead, he said: “The new logistics have been distributed to all (states) across the nation, not just Sarawak.”
He added that Sarawak, given it’s vast land mass, received 45 units of fibreglass boats.
“Sarawak is a huge state, so in terms of quantity, it’s higher (compared to other states). We were given 45 units.
“It is very timely because they (fibreglass boats) are suitable for us to conduct S&R (search and rescue) operations where we need to transport flood victims to their respective evacuation centres,” he said.
According to Cuthbert, APM has 116 units of boats that come with various sizes and types in the state, thanks to the additional logistics.
He said APM will soon set up operation centres across Sarawak in collaboration with relevant agencies namely the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Services Department (Bomba), state Welfare Department, state Health Department and hospitals.
He said the mentioned government agencies as well as APM must work closely to address various challenges during this monsoon season.
“Our secretariat will coordinate with other agencies. (When a report is received) we will dispatch 30 officers for the first four hours.”
In Sarawak alone, there are presently 300 APM officers and personnel.
He also reminded all that the Meteorological Department of Malaysia had earlier announced that the current monsoon season started Oct 24 would last until February next year.
“Our leave has also been frozen until end of February next year. This is to ensure the safety of the general public during this monsoon season,” added Cuthbert.