MRCS launches Malaya's first disaster radio service

The Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS), Johor branch has launched the first disaster radio service in the country, which will focus on swift communication to help disaster victims.

State MRCS chairman Md Jais Sarday who launched the service called 'Disaster Communication Amateur Radio' said that it was a way to prepare for quick action during natural disasters.

Jais, who is also the state Youth and Sports committee chairman, explained that during the floods, there was a major breakdown in communication between relief teams as most of them relied on their handphones.

“This new radio service however, uses a satellite system which will eradicate that problem,” he told a press conference on Sunday at the state MRCS headquarters in Tampoi here.

“Communication is very important for relief teams during natural disasters and we have experienced this first hand during the major floods in the state in 2006.”

Jais also said that 10 MRCS members were already qualified to use the radio service while 56 Northen Region Malay Amateur Radio Association members have signed up to become MRCS members.

Members will be placed in each district and will relay information to the headquarters who will inform relevant agencies for further action, he said.

MRCS launches Malaysia's first disaster radio service