NORTHEAST MONSOON: RMAF IDENTIFIES LANDING POINTS FOR AIRCRAFT TO DELIVER AID

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has identified landing spots nationwide for its aircraft that will be involved in rescue and aid delivery operations in disaster areas following the start of the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season.

RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan said this was because it would be involved in Operasi Murni under the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to help tackle disasters like floods this year.

"As in previous years, we are ready and have identified the flood-prone areas and all landing points for the delivery of food aid.

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"We have prepared aircraft in Kuantan, Butterworth and the southern part of the country. Our operations room will be headed by an Army commander and we will also work together with NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency) in every state to carry out our tasks,” he told reporters at the Subang Air Base near here today.

Earlier, Mohd Asghar Khan attended an appreciation ceremony for 16 personnel and officers involved in the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Mission (HADR) in the Philippines, which suffered major floods and landslides after being hit by Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).

In the Oct 27-Nov 1 mission, the RMF deployed an EC 725 AP helicopter from No. 5 Squadron, Labuan Air Base to help the Philippines government deliver disaster aid to the affected areas.

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The RMAF officers and personnel successfully carried out nine sorties during the HADR mission, delivering 17.5 tonnes of aid supplies, including a boat with an engine (0.82 tonnes), tarpaulin canvas (8.22 tonnes) and boxed food supplies (8.4 tonnes).

For their involvement in the HADR mission, all of them were awarded the Military Civic Action Medal and the Chief of Staff of the AFP Commendation Medal and Ribbon, which were presented by the Commanding General of the Philippines Air Force (PAF) Lt-Gen Stephen P Parreno in a ceremony at the Villamor Air Base on Oct 31.

"The success of this mission not only benefitted the people of the Philippines who were affected by the disaster, but it also further strengthened the ties between Malaysia and the Philippines, thus showing RMAF's capability to carry out various missions. We are proud to have been given this opportunity to carry out this mission,” said Mohd Asghar Khan.

Meanwhile, the HADR mission head, Major Thaddeus Raphael Azis@Sait said the main challenges they faced throughout the operation were strong winds and uncertain weather conditions, which complicated their mission but one which the team managed to deal with effectively.

He said he had taken part in several aid delivery missions domestically, where the challenges faced were quite similar, although the mountainous terrain in the Philippines, coupled with the many surrounding islands, proved to be a new experience.

"Throughout the operation, we carried out the same routine, which is sending aid to the Bicol Airport and Naga Airport and, from there, the Philippine army would distribute the aid to the affected areas,” he said.

-- BERNAMA