MELAKA, Aug 19 — The Melaka government will be expanding the First Response Team (FRONT) Unit to all its local authorities (PBT) to provide 24-hour emergency assistance services especially in the event of natural disasters in the areas under their administration.
State Housing, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Ghafar Atan said so far only two FRONT units had been established since last year, namely at the Historic Melaka City Council (MBMB) and Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council.
“The FRONT unit consists of PBT’s front line employees focusing on 24-hour emergency assistance involving cases of natural disasters such as floods, fallen trees and others, and up till now, the unit has received 1,991 distress calls.
“The formation of the FRONT Unit will not interfere with the roles of existing security agencies such as the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and health personnel,” he told reporters after officiating the MBMB FRONT Unit here, last night.
A total of 21 MBMB personnel were selected to join the unit and given training in the handling of machines, traffic control and on first-aid.
Also present at the ceremony was MBMB Mayor Datuk Zainal Abu.
Source: BERNAMA