SARIKEI: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is one of the agencies that is the backbone in maintaining public safety, especially when disasters such as floods, landslides, accidents or fires occur.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh said that APM must continue to play an important role in ensuring public safety by being among the first agencies to be on location and taking quick action.

"The APM will continue to play an important role, especially in the context of what we are experiencing today, floods here and there.

"The APM, like other government departments or agencies, has been given a mandate to ensure that its duties and responsibilities are carried out as best as possible.

"That is why, in the context of what we are experiencing today, APM must continue to be prepared to face unexpected situations," he said.

The Kuala Rajang Assemblyman said this during his speech at the APM Sedekah Barakah ceremony by handing out Raya Kuih to members in the Central Zone covering Tanjung Manis, Sarikei, Meradong Pakan and Julau at the Al-Muttaqim Sarikei Mosque on Saturday.

He said that quick and early action is necessary before a disaster becomes worse and difficult to control.

Therefore, he stressed that cooperation from government agencies is important to ensure how information can be shared so that the right action can be taken so that what happened can be resolved.

Through this Sedekah Barakah Programme, APM has also held various activities in the Sarikei Division such as the distribution of bubur lambuk and the recording of the Raya Takbir at the Al-Muttaqim Sarikei Mosque.

Datuk Len also took into account the responsibilities borne by APM members including other agencies so that the presence of all in the field can be felt by those who need any assistance.

Also present at the ceremony was the Sarikei District Civil Defence Officer LT. (PA) Shahrol Azizi Zaidi, Sarikei Division Operations & Secretariat Disaster Officer LT.M (PA) Dayang Azyla Mashilla Abg Materang, Tanjung Manis Civil Defence Officer LT.M (PA) Umilhusna Amran, Tanjung Manis, Meradong, Julau and Pakan Team Officers.-UKASnews