KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Dec 2008: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) today launched a Disaster Unit to broadcast the latest report on disasters through television and radio stations.
The unit will disseminate information on the weather, earthquakes, landslides, floods, haze, storms, river levels, sea conditions, tides and other disasters.
Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the unit would also issue brief safety guidelines for the public to face disasters.
“It will also instill public awareness on the need to follow the directive of authorities during disasters,” he told reporters at the launch in Angkasapuri here.
The unit, headed by Muhammad Yazid Mohd Naim, will provide live coverage and reports nationwide so that the public can receive the most updated correct information on disasters.
Based at Angkasapuri, the unit operates 24-hours daily, and can be contacted at 03-2282 7448.
Ahmad Shabery said the unit would have representatives at all RTM stations, charged with monitoring and coordinating disaster coverage.
He added that the unit would be sent overseas if necessary and that the police and fire departments would be asked to train reporters in disaster coverage.
RTM has the cooperation of the Meteorological Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Bukit Aman Police and the National Security Council. — Bernama
