APM DRONES TO TAKE FLIGHT THROUGH AIDILFITRI’S OPS PRIHATIN

SERDANG, March 26 (Bernama) -- The Civil Defence Force (APM) will deploy 28 high-tech drones to assist with tasks in ‘Op Prihatin’ Series 2, which begins tomorrow and runs until April 6.

APM Chief Commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed said that two drone units will be stationed in each state, including Sabah and Sarawak, to enable more efficient and effective traffic monitoring.

“This technology helps APM monitor traffic conditions, quickly identify accident or emergency locations such as landslides and damaged roads, and coordinate assistance more efficiently.

“Drones also play a role in security patrols, especially in high-risk areas that are difficult for teams to access,” he told a press conference following the launch of the operation in conjunction with the 2025 Aidilfitri celebrations here today.

He said the second series of Op Prihatin, launched simultaneously today across six zones, namely  Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, involves the deployment of 2,364 officers and personnel.

In addition, Aminurrahim said 15,000 APM volunteer officers and personnel under the SIGAP initiative are ready to assist in Op Prihatin during this Aidilfitri period.

He said the initiative provides opportunities for competent volunteers to offer gig-like services, particularly in temporarily reducing risks or threats based on current needs.

“For example, in emergencies like minor injuries, these volunteers can provide treatment or initial response before assistance from relevant parties arrives,” he said.

Furthermore, several APM personnel will also be stationed at Rest and Service (R&R) areas to provide emergency training and fire extinguisher usage demonstrations to the public.

APM’s tasks during Op Prihatin include humanitarian services such as handling fallen trees, road accidents, patrolling high-traffic areas and imparting basic civil defence knowledge to the community.

-- BERNAMA