By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Oct 19: A total of 2,666 Sarawak Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel will be placed on standby in preparation for flood occurrence during the monsoon transition phase.
APM State director Mohtar Samad said APM Sarawak also has 116 boats in various sizes to be deployed throughout the State and has increased the number of logistics vehicles including an additional eight new logistics ambulances to make 16 in total.
“We have also ordered the leave for our members to be frozen. But they can still take leave if they really need it.
“However, they (APM personnel) understand and rarely request for leave for the end of the year,” he told reporters when met after officiating at the Northeast Monsoon Preparation Training programme at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawah today.
He added that APM Sarawak also has activated local community volunteer teams in preparation for the flood.
Meanwhile, asked if the appointment of Members of Parliament as APM officers in every parliamentary constituency would help in terms of preparation, Mohtar said almost all of the appointed MPs has been included in APM meetings be it in the districts or ground level.
He said this is to provide them with the knowledge and information of the situation.
“This year, hopefully, there are no issues saying that APM is selective in providing assistance based on political ideology.
“We provide the services regardless of the political affiliation of the community,” he said. — DayakDaily
