KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force has pinpointed landing spots nationwide for its aircraft that will participate in rescue and aid operations in disaster-affected areas as the Northeast Monsoon season begins.
Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan noted that it is engaged in Ops Murni under the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to assist in managing disasters such as floods this year.
"As in previous years, we are prepared and have identified flood-prone areas and all landing points for delivering food aid.
"We have stationed aircraft in Kuantan, Butterworth, and the southern region. Our operations room will be led by an Army commander, and we will collaborate with Nadma (National Disaster Management Agency) in every state to perform our duties," he informed reporters at the Subang Air Base Thursday (Nov 7).
Earlier, Mohd Asghar Khan attended a ceremony honouring 16 personnel and officers involved in the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Mission (HADR) in the Philippines, which recently suffered major floods and landslides due to Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).
In the mission from Oct 27 to Nov 1, the Air Force deployed an EC 725 AP helicopter from No. 5 Squadron, Labuan Air Base, to assist the Philippine government in delivering disaster aid to affected areas.
The RMAF team successfully carried out nine sorties during the HADR mission, delivering 17.5 tonnes of aid supplies, including a boat with an engine (0.82 tonnes), tarpaulin canvas (8.22 tonnes), and boxed food supplies (8.4 tonnes).
For their efforts in the HADR mission, all personnel received the Military Civic Action Medal and the Chief of Staff of the AFP Commendation Medal and Ribbon, presented by the Commanding General of the Philippines Air Force (PAF), Lt-Gen Stephen P Parreno, at a ceremony at Villamor Air Base on Oct 31.
"The success of this mission not only benefitted the people of the Philippines affected by the disaster but also strengthened ties between Malaysia and the Philippines, demonstrating RMAF's capability to carry out various missions.
"We are proud to have been given this opportunity," said Mohd Asghar Khan.
Meanwhile, the HADR mission head, Major Thaddeus Raphael Azis@Sait, noted that the main challenges they faced included strong winds and uncertain weather, complicating their mission, but the team effectively managed these issues.
He mentioned that he had participated in several domestic aid delivery missions where the challenges were similar, though the mountainous terrain in the Philippines, coupled with numerous islands, offered a new experience.
"Throughout the operation, we followed the routine of sending aid to Bicol Airport and Naga Airport, from where the Philippine army distributed it to the affected areas," he explained. – Bernama
