KANOWIT (March 18): The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in Kanowit is expected to become fully operational at the new district operation control centre (PKOD) by early June, thereby strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency services in the area.

Sibu APM district Officer, Major (PA) Wan Mohd Jabir Wan Mohd Badrudin, stated that the new PKOD would relocate to an existing building in early April, followed by minor renovations scheduled to be completed within one to two months.

“We have had thorough discussions with the Kanowit District Officer and the APM Sarawak director to ensure a smooth transition.

“This new site will serve as a more complete and strategically positioned primary operations centre,” he told The Borneo Post today.

According to him, the new PKOD will not only function as an operations hub but will also house the District Civil Defence Office (PDPA), a training site for APM Sarawak’s Central Zone, and a transit centre for personnel moving between the north and south.

“Although Kanowit is a small district within the Sibu Division, the current PKOD is unable to meet APM’s operational needs, including disaster management.

“With the relocation to a larger new centre, disaster response can be better coordinated, and data, along with disaster information, can be systematically centralised,” he explained.

The new building’s proximity to a river is expected to facilitate search and rescue operations in aquatic environments, thereby enhancing the rapid response capabilities of rescue agencies.

He also noted that APM Sarawak plans to allocate additional assets, logistics, and personnel in Kanowit to strengthen the district’s operational capacity.

Furthermore, APM intends to involve the local community in emergency drills and disaster preparedness training.

“The new office will serve as one of the training sites for APM Sarawak’s Central Zone, enabling local residents to participate in emergency and disaster awareness programmes,” he added.

In the long term, APM also aims to expand its safety initiatives through the ‘Kampung Siaga 221’ programme, which will educate residents of longhouse communities on the basics of civil defence and their role as first responders during emergencies.

“Our hope is that the move to the new location will proceed smoothly and provide maximum benefits to the community, particularly in enhancing disaster and emergency preparedness,” he concluded.