A total of 18,616 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) officers and rank and file have been put on standby through Ops Murni to help tackle floods, if necessary.

The Malaysian Army said in a statement on Friday (Nov 10) that the operation would be implemented when the disaster Management Committee at the federal, state and district levels need the MAF to assist relevant government agencies in providing aid to residents affected by floods, including repairing public services.

It said that the scope of the MAF assignments during disasters includes assisting members at all levels and providing limited transportation assistance for movement on land, air and sea.

"The Army provides logistics equipment assistance such as machinery for relief work during disasters, specialist service assistance such as experts in explosives and engineering, field medical liaison, disaster evacuation and diver assistance for search and rescue operations.

"Among the assets involved include 307 boats, life jackets (6,238), one-tonne vehicles (372), generator set support equipment (136), aircraft (26) and four paramedics per team will be established in each Army Brigade formation,” it added.

In addition, Level Two MAF Field Hospital, which has facilities for operating theatres, anaesthesia and ICU with 112 staff comprising six medical specialists, six medical officers and 100 clinical and non-clinical support staff will be mobilised if the Ministry of Health Hospital loses contact.

"The Army will also assist in post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes if needed,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces has also appointed Army Chief General Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan as the leader of Ops Murni involving all three branches of the MAF and has been given the authority of Operational Command over the mobilisation of members.

According to the statement, the MAF’s preparedness is a collaboration between the National Disaster Management Agency, public authorities and local authorities.

"The MAF is always committed and ready to help government agencies and the people when they face difficulties in the face of disasters and, no matter what the situation is, to ensure the well-being of the people and the country,” it added. – Bernama

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by The Star Online

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