MARTS ACTIVATES DISASTER RESPONSE AMID FLOODS IN EAST COAST, NORTHERN PENINSULA

MELAKA, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Society (MARTS) has activated its Disaster Response across the national amateur radio network in response to worsening floods on the east coast and in the northern part of the peninsula.

MARTS president Mohd Aris Bernawi said that the activation was carried out to ensure that amateur radio communications operated as an efficient support system in line with the needs of government rescue agencies.

“This response mechanism combines two main references, namely the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Directive No. 1 and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) technical guidelines, to ensure accurate communication coordination throughout disaster operations,” he said in a statement here today.

Mohd Aris said that all MARTS coordination heads at both state and district levels had to report to the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) before carrying out any task, as voluntary activation without official coordination was not recommended for administrative and safety reasons

He said that to ensure accurate and efficient communications, all members must comply with IARU network ethics, including the establishment of certified Net Control Stations (NCSs) to manage traffic flow and the use of designated emergency frequencies.

“Absolute priority must be given to emergency messages and logistical needs in disaster areas, while all situation reports must be recorded using a structured format for accuracy and auditing purposes. Non-essential conversations are only permitted when the frequency is completely clear,” he said.

Mohd Aris said that operator safety was a top priority under the IARU Safety Guidelines and that they were not allowed to enter high-risk areas without proper personal protective equipment.

He said that operators were required to ensure they had enough power, food and medicine to sustain at least 72 hours of operation without outside support.

“In times of disaster, amateur radio goes beyond being a hobby and acts as a professional ambassador for the country’s communications. By combining the NADMA directive structure with IARU technical standards, we ensure that every radio transmission contributes to life-saving efforts.

“I call on all members to maintain professionalism, follow instructions and continue to serve the country,” he said.

In the same statement, MARTS urged all licensed amateur radio operators to monitor gazetted emergency frequencies and be ready for deployment when needed.

“The situation in Hatyai, Thailand, where electricity and telecommunications systems were cut off, serves as a reminder that the support of the amateur radio community is essential in critical situations such as major floods,” the statement said.

--BERNAMA