SIBU: The Ninth Battalion of the Border Regiment (9 RS) has deployed personnel to help disaster relief efforts as the flood situation here worsened on Friday (Jan 31).
Operating under the Ops Murni area of responsibility of the Ninth Malaysian Infantry Brigade, 9RS was deployed to support the Malaysia Civil Defence Department (APM) and Social Welfare Department (JKM) help flood-hit communities in Sibu Division.
The 9 RS personnel, operating from the Sibu District APM operations room with water rescue assets and vehicles, has been involved in flood relief efforts since Wednesday (Jan 29) in the Kanowit district.
In a statement on Friday (Jan 31), it said its operations cover two temporary relief centres – Dewan Serbaguna Penghulu Seribu Ng Tada and Dewan Kompleks Sukan, Kanowit.
"The primary responsibilities of the deployed troops include monitoring water levels within the area, assisting in the evacuation of flood victims to relief centres, and facilitating aid distribution to settlements that have been cut off by rising floodwaters," it said.
Commanding officer Lt Col Fathi Abu Bakar said while visiting the Dewan Kompleks Sukan relief centre that it was important for 9 RS personnel to observe health and safety precautions while carrying out their duties.
He also reminded them to uphold and respect the values, customs and traditions of communities in the area during their mission.
At the operations room, he was briefed on the flood situation in the division by Capt (PA) Yunus Ajol of APM.
