Use of tech can help authorities assess severity at any time, says Chong
KUALA LUMPUR: The Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) should harness modern drone technology to bolster its disaster relief efforts in flood-stricken regions, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
“The use of drones will allow CRSM to better understand flood zones, reach inaccessible areas, provide warnings, and function even at night,” said the MCA secretary-general.
Chong highlighted that the unmanned aerial vehicle has become an important tool in China’s disaster management as it is used to assess the severity of flood zones and deliver aid to isolated areas, with the added advantage of being operational during the night.
He added that a proposal on the use of drones will be made to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the government.
“It’s time for CRSM to be equipped with drones, and we will propose this to Nadma and the government, too, to adopt this new technology in relief efforts,” Chong said during an International Volunteer Day event, where he handed over crisis relief equipment to CRSM for use in states facing a high risk of floods, yesterday.
CRSM, he added, has mobilised at least 200 volunteers and is well prepared to help in any flood disasters.
Increasing capacity: Chong (11th from left) and Ng Sing Phing presenting crisis relief equipment to CRSM for high-risk flood states, together with National Cancer Society Malaysia, Nano Medic and Ria Insan representatives. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
“We were briefed in October that this year would see severe flooding. The prediction turned out to be true.
“Floods in Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Kedah were forecast. This was only the first wave of flooding, more might come,” he said.
Chong also called for more donations including medical supplies and food as well as volunteers to support the squad’s relief efforts.
CRSM recently visited China and met with various organisations such as the Beijing Volunteer Service Federation, Beijing Charity Volunteer Federation, Rescue Team of Ramunion, Red Cross Society of China and Canal Lighthouse Emergency Rescue Centre to learn about their experiences in disaster relief work.
Chong said these organisations also plan to donate drones and lifeboats to CRSM for its rescue efforts.
Since Nov 5, Malaysia has seen a record number of flood victims in nine states during the current northeast monsoon. The disaster this time has been described as more severe than the massive floods of the 2014/2015 monsoon season.
CRSM secretary-general and GoCare Malaysia adviser Ng Sing Phing said the squad is planning to expand its post-disaster efforts and hopes to cooperate with all sectors of the society to help clean up homes, support the recovery of affected communities, and promptly aid in victims’ rebuilding of their lives.
The launch was part of the successful GoCare BeTheOne series of activities that include community care, health checks, charity sales and disaster relief.
Among the CRSM partners present at the event were National Cancer Society Malaysia, AST Group, Ria Insan Sdn Bhd, Nano Medic and Rayaco.
