KUALA LUMPUR – The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) is preparing 200 drones to be dispatched to flood hotspots nationwide as an early measure towards facing the coming monsoon season, said Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said the drones under the Special Emergency Drone Task Force initiative coordinated by the Malaysia Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (Mranti) could support and help rescue work by disaster management agencies.
“...through the Special Emergency Drone Task Force initiative, efforts can be multiplied to help more flood-affected areas. Mosti is confident that this assistance will ensure that relief efforts can be extended to flood victims as soon as possible,” he said.
He said this when launching the Special Emergency Drone Task Force in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur Global Drone Conference 2022 at Matrade Tower here today.
Dr Adham said that more than 20 companies and agencies have been identified as equipment sources for the initiative.
He said companies that qualify based on the availability of (drone) pilots and equipment will be trained and assigned to provide surveillance, monitoring and delivery services to identified hotspots.
In addition, he said his ministry held initial discussions with rescue and enforcement agencies regarding the availability of drones including the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysia Police.
At the end of last year, some 20 Special Emergency Drone Task Force units were deployed to several flood locations in Selangor to monitor and deliver basic supplies such as medicine, food and power banks, especially in areas that were difficult to reach.
Dr Adham said by using tactical drone technology, visuals from the air are obtained to help flood management agencies assess the current situation of areas affected by floods.
“Based on the experience gained when helping with flood relief operations at the end of last year, Mosti and Mranti continue to try to find the best methods of operating drones during disasters, especially floods,” he said. – Bernama, October 20, 2022
