Kedah Media Practitioners, NGOs Take Part In APM Rescue Boat Training

KUALA NERANG, June 28 (Bernama) -- Thirty-four participants comprising 20 media practitioners and 14 representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), took part in a boat handling training programme jointly organised by the Kedah Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and Kelab Media Elit Kedah (KMEK) at the APM Field Training Ground in Tasik Pedu, near here.

Kedah APM director Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Mohd Bukhori Mat Sidik said the two-day programme, which began on Friday, reflects the continued strong collaboration between APM and the media, building on the success of last year’s kayaking expedition in Baling.

“Through this high-impact training, participants are given the opportunity to experience real-life boat handling in various disaster simulation scenarios. The training includes key components such as operating techniques, including how to start the engine and steer the boat properly.

“Participants are also exposed to water safety procedures, including actions to be taken if they fall into the lake, how to operate boats in both in calm waters and strong currents, as well as the vessel’s capacity and the difficulties faced by rescue personnel,” he said at the closing ceremony of the programme yesterday.

Prior to the training, participants were briefed on the programme’s implementation, safety aspects, operating procedures, as well as their roles and responsibilities, to ensure it runs smoothly, safely and achieves its objectives.

Mohd Bukhori said the exposure provided could give participants a clearer understanding of the critical knowledge and skills required of rescuers when on duty in the field.

“This programme also involves NGOs which have previously had little exposure to intensive water operations training. This proactive step aims to ensure they are equipped with the basic rescue knowledge required before being deployed to provide assistance at disaster sites.

“This collaboration can help prevent any negative implications and overcome technical challenges in the field. The four NGOs involved are the Malaysia Relief Agency (MRA), Kedah 4x4 Club, Volunteer Team Kembara Kedah (VTKK) and Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah (YSB),” he said.

Mohd Bukhori said he hoped the basic knowledge of boat operation would encourage participants to explore other specialised training programmes offered by APM.

“We hope this collaborative network will continue to be effective and expanded through the planning of other high-impact programmes in the future, including first aid training, abseiling or repelling and venomous animal handling,” he said.

Meanwhile, KMEK president M Hifzuddin Ikhsan said the programme provided a new experience for media practitioners and offered exposure and understanding of boat rescue procedures frequently conducted by APM.

“This experience is very different as media practitioners have never operated boats before and the knowledge gained can now be applied in the event of disasters or emergencies.

“I hope that more programs can be organised together to enable media friends and NGOs to gain more knowledge from APM in preparation for any disaster or emergency,” he said.

-- BERNAMA