PRIME DEPLOYED IN THREE FLOOD-HIT STATES TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED COMMUNICATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The Mobile Integrated Radio and Internet Communication System (PRIME) has been activated in three flood-hit states to ensure communication services remain functional in areas with disrupted internet and telephone networks, aiding the coordination of relief efforts.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the three states are Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak.

She noted that, according to a report by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) yesterday, 15 communication infrastructure sites were affected by the floods, with six already restored and back in operation.

“Five more locations are expected to be restored and operational today. The remaining sites are currently inaccessible due to safety concerns, so restoration may take longer,” she said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin).

Teo said PRIME, a strategic initiative by MCMC, was developed to strengthen the country’s communication readiness during disasters and emergencies, particularly in areas cut off from conventional networks.

She explained that the system is designed as a mobile communication network, combining satellite, cellular, two-way radio, Wi-Fi, and drone technology to ensure communications remain functional in critical situations.

“Compared with existing communication assets operated by various security and disaster management agencies, PRIME provides additional value in terms of mobility, multi-technology capability, and internet coverage, which can be expanded using drones as a Mesh Wi-Fi network in the field,” she said.

She added that the system has been tested in various scenarios, including real incidents such as floods and landslides in Penampang, Sabah, from Sept 15 to 19.

Teo said PRIME has successfully provided Wi-Fi access to evacuees and rescue teams at several critical locations experiencing communication disruptions, including relief centres at Kampung Sarapung and Marahang, as well as Kampung Kaiduan.

“At Kampung Sarapung, the system supported up to 67 simultaneous users, with peak download speeds of 158 Mbps and upload speeds of 33 Mbps.

“This performance demonstrates the system’s capability to support critical communications in the field. PRIME will also be deployed to other flood-affected states requiring immediate telecommunication support, particularly Kelantan, which is currently the worst affected,” she said.

-- BERNAMA