JOHOR BARU: The state Civil Defence Force (APM) has deployed 128 personnel for Ops Bantu 18 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive period.
Its director Mat Zin Bujang said APM would provide four patrol vehicles for the operation, which was aimed at assisting motorists on federal and state roads who faced emergencies.
“This time around, our focus will be on four districts in Johor, namely Segamat, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi. The first phase of the operation is being implemented today (Feb 3) and tomorrow while the second phase is on Feb 9 and 10,” said Mat Zin.
Under Ops Bantu, APM personnel will patrol the designated areas, assist motorists and act as an emergency response team (ERT) during emergency while on patrol, which would reduce the response time.
Mat Zin said in the last Ops Bantu in June last year during the Hari Raya festive period, Johor APM responded to 39 cases involving 115 victims.
“In total, since Ops Bantu began in 2010, Johor APM has responded to 808 cases involving 1,045 victims.”
He said this in his speech at the launch of Ops Bantu 18 by state Women Development and Tourism Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung at the Johor Baru APM district office.
Mat Zin said APM was also taking part in Ops Selamat 14 as the ERT.
“For Ops Selamat, we have stationed four ambulances along the North South Expressway, namely at the Kempas, Sedenak, Yong Peng and Bukit Gambir toll plazas.
“During this festive period, the district operation control centres in all nine districts in the state will operate 24 hours as part of the preparations to handle any emergency,” he said.
Liow, in her speech, said APM had provided vital assistance and service to the public especially during times of emergencies.
“Ops Bantu is a noble programme for APM to help motorists who are travelling during this festive period. I hope APM will continue to help and provide service to the public,” she said.