KUCHING, Dec 29: Sarawak needs at least 30 four-wheel drive (4WD) modified ambulances which can take on challenging terrain of Sarawak to respond and deliver emergency services to rural residents.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong noted the urgent need for the Civil Defence Force (APM) Sarawak to get the assets to facilitate the delivery of emergency services during disasters such as floods in the State.
“I hear the plight of rural people and APM members that they need ambulances with off-road capability to go to the rural areas. The 4WD ambulance will improve and enhance the efficiency of the APM Sarawak members who find it difficult to provide services due to the lack of assets.
“The terrain in Sarawak is different, such as in Long Busang and Baram where ordinary ambulances may not be suitable for use,” he said in news reports by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) and TVS today.
He has today paid a courtesy visit to the APM Sarawak Office at Sultan Iskandar Building here. He was welcomed and received by APM Sarawak director Abdul Wahab Rahim.
Ugak, who is also Hulu Rajang MP, added that he will bring this matter up to the relevant minister so that it can be implemented immediately, especially in this uncertain weather with heavy rain and flooding forecast in Sarawak.
Earlier, he also pledged to request for allocation from the Federal government to build a hall to enable APM Sarawak to conduct emergency and safety training to further strengthen the skills of members in Sarawak.
“The facility is necessary to ensure APM Sarawak members have the skills to rescue victims when disaster hits,” he said. — DayakDaily
