Ministry preparing 200 drones to be sent to flood hotspots, says Dr Adham Baba

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) is preparing 200 drones to be dispatched to flood hotspots nationwide as an early measure towards facing the coming monsoon season, says its minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

He said the drones under the Special Emergency Drone Task Force (PTK2Dron2022) initiative coordinated by the Malaysia Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) could support and help rescue work by disaster management agencies.

"Through PTK2Dron 2022, efforts can be multiplied to help more flood-affected areas. MOSTI is confident that this assistance will ensure that relief efforts can be extended to flood victims as soon as possible," he said.

He said this when launching PTK2Dron2022 in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur Global Drone Conference 2022 at Matrade Tower here on Thursday (Oct 20).

Dr Adham said to date, more than 20 companies and agencies have been identified as sources of equipment for the initiative.

He said companies that qualify based on the availability of (drone) pilots and equipment will be trained and assigned to provide surveillance, monitoring and delivery services to identified hotspots.

In addition, he said his ministry has held initial discussions with rescue and enforcement agencies regarding the availability of the drones including the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia(JUPEM), the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

At the end of last year, some 20 PTK2Dron units were deployed to several flood locations in Selangor for monitoring and delivery of basic supplies such as medicine, food and power banks, especially in areas that were difficult to reach.

Dr Adham said by using tactical drone technology, visuals from the air are obtained to help flood management agencies assess the current situation of areas affected by floods.

"Based on the experience gained when helping with flood relief operations at the end of last year, MOSTI and MRANTI continue to try to find the best methods of operating drones during disasters, especially floods," he said. - Bernama