Speed up distribution of 4WD vehicles, APM HQ told

KUCHING: The Malaysia Civil Defence (APM) Ugak (fourth left) witnesses the handing over gimmick from DAL HCM Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Dzulkarnaen Ahmad (left) to APM deputy chief commissioner (Operation) Abdul Wahab Rahim.is called to hasten the distribution of four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles to Sarawak.
 
In stating this, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs, and Special Duties) Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said that the state is in dire need of the asset as the monsoon is coming.
 
“For Sarawak, we currently have 15 4WD ambulances but only two 4WD vehicles. Looking at Sarawak’s physical geography, having more 4WD vehicles is important for the APM.
 
“They need the vehicles to carry out their duty of saving lives statewide, especially in the rural parts during the rainy season,” he said.
 
He said this when officiating the handover ceremony of safety boats at the Civil Defence Centre (PUSPA) Sarawak here today (June 17).
 
Following this, he disclosed that Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) had agreed to donate a 4WD vehicle to APM Sarawak to be used in the Belaga area.
 
“Aside from being far, the area tends to be flooded. So Belaga is in need of the vehicle, especially when going into certain parts there, which will take six hours to reach,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, touching on the ceremony, Ugak expressed his gratitude to DAL HCM Sdn Bhd for donating five safety boats, which amount to RM35,000 under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, to APM Sarawak.
 
“For us in APM, this donation is much needed as it will be used to aid the people in need during the monsoon season. Unlike in the Peninsular, our current flow here is very fast during the season.
 
“Up until June 2023, the APM Sarawak has been involved in the operation of 14 cases of drowning victims together with other agencies.
 
“Having said that, the operational requirements, such as lifeboats, are indispensable. “Consequently, for such a meaningful contribution to APM, I thank the company for their generosity,” he said.