MARTS ASKED TO CLEAR FOUR EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES FOR NORTH SUMATRA DISASTERS

MELAKA, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Amateur radio operators in Malaysia have been asked to clear four emergency frequencies (EmComm) to allow for disaster management efforts, in response to floods and landslides that occurred yesterday in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Society (MARTS) president Mohd Aris Bernawi said the frequencies are 7.110 MHz, 14.300 MHz, 21.360 MHz and 145.100 MHz, which have been designated by the Amateur Radio Organisation of the Republic of Indonesia (ORARI) for EmComm purposes.

“MARTS received a notice from ORARI chairman Donny Priambodo regarding the use of these emergency frequencies and urged the Malaysian amateur radio community to remain vigilant and be ready to support regional communications efforts if needed.

“Therefore, MARTS advises all licensed amateur radio operators to monitor and give immediate priority to the frequencies set by ORARI for EmComm purposes,” he said in a statement tonight.

Mohd Aris, who is also vice-president of the International Amateur Radio Union, said that with the local amateur radio community using the same frequencies during floods, all operators are reminded to use them responsibly and give immediate priority to emergency calls. 

-- BERNAMA