Kuala lumpur: Thirty-four participants comprising 20 media practitioners and 14 representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) took part in a boat handling training programme jointly organised by the Kedah Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and Kelab Media Elit Kedah (KMEK) at the APM Field Training Ground in Tasik Pedu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah APM director Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Mohd Bukhori Mat Sidik stated that the two-day programme, which commenced on Friday, underscores the ongoing collaboration between APM and the media, following the success of last year's kayaking expedition in Baling.
"Through this high-impact training, participants are given the opportunity to experience real-life boat handling in various disaster simulation scenarios. The training includes key components such as operating techniques, including how to start the engine and steer the boat properly," he said at the closing ceremony of the programme yesterday.
Participants were also exposed to water safety procedures, including actions to be taken if they fall into the lake, how to operate boats in both calm waters and strong currents, as well as understanding the vessel's capacity and the challenges faced by rescue personnel. Prior to the training, they were briefed on the programme's implementation, safety aspects, operating procedures, as well as their roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Mohd Bukhori emphasized the importance of the training, noting that it provides participants with a clearer understanding of the essential knowledge and skills required by rescuers during field operations. The programme also involved NGOs that have had limited exposure to intensive water operations training, aiming to equip them with basic rescue knowledge necessary for deployment at disaster sites.
The NGOs participating in the programme include the Malaysia Relief Agency (MRA), Kedah 4x4 Club, Volunteer Team Kembara Kedah (VTKK), and Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah (YSB). This collaboration aims to prevent negative implications and overcome technical challenges encountered in the field.
Mohd Bukhori expressed hope that the basic boat operation knowledge would encourage participants to explore other specialised training programmes offered by APM, such as first aid training, abseiling, and venomous animal handling.
Meanwhile, KMEK president M Hifzuddin Ikhsan highlighted that the programme provided a fresh experience for media practitioners, offering exposure and understanding of boat rescue procedures frequently conducted by APM. He expressed hope for more collaborative programmes to be organised, enabling media personnel and NGOs to acquire more knowledge from APM in preparation for any disaster or emergency.