A telecommunications firm is partnering with a humanitarian aid organisation to strengthen disaster preparedness by improving emergency connectivity and enabling timely assistance for communities at risk during the monsoon season.
The partnership between the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) and CelcomDigi Bhd was formalised at a handover ceremony at the MRC national headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
CelcomDigi Bhd chief strategy, transformation and regulatory officer Datuk Kamal Khalid handed over RM500,000 in project funding to MRC national chairman Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
The initiative will be implemented across six flood-prone states – Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Pahang and Sabah.
It is expected to support more than 2,000 households, reaching approximately 10,000 people.
As part of the partnership, 15 selected temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in disaster-prone areas will be equipped with fixed wireless access units to provide Internet connectivity without relying on fixed broadband infrastructure.
This will help maintain access to communication and information when normal connectivity is disrupted during an emergency.
Emergency communication hubs will also be equipped with portable charging stations, petrol generators, extension cables and SIM cards.
When activated, trained MRC staff and volunteers will operate the hubs at designated PPS to support communication, information sharing and coordination with the relevant authorities.
The partnership will also enable MRC to pre-position 2,000 hygiene kits for rapid distribution during disasters.
The kits will contain essential items to support the health, hygiene and dignity of families sheltering at PPS, allowing MRC teams to respond quickly based on assessed needs.
Distribution will be coordinated with the National Disaster Management Agency, Department of Social Welfare, local authorities and community representatives as part of the wider government-led disaster response.
Through this partnership, MRC and CelcomDigi are helping communities prepare for the annual monsoon season, while ensuring that people can stay connected and access essential assistance when floods and other emergencies occur.
