Handover of vehicles, assets boosts Sarawak APM’s capabilities

KUCHING: Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali says the handover of vehicles and assets to Sarawak’s Civil Defence Force (APM) aims to enhance the authorities’ capability and effectiveness across various levels, reinforcing services to the public in the region.

The federal Minister for Sabah, Sarawak Affairs, and Special Functions in the Prime Minister’s Department, noted that this initiative aligns with their efforts under Act 221, which is the core of APM’s functionality, focusing on organisational development, competency, and the welfare of APM members.

“Today marks the addition of 75 vehicles and assets, with an allocation of RM7.4mil, including several rental components.

“For the upcoming year in Sarawak, we have allocated RM2.4mil for management aspects. Additionally, a new project initiated in Sarawak is the construction of APM offices for the Sibu region.

“We are aware that many APM offices, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, still use makeshift methods, sharing federal and state government office premises. Some even rely on assistance from certain CSR companies.”

He further mentioned that they have initiated the construction of Sibu’s office with a cost of RM5mil, expected to be completed within the next three years.

In a different development, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas addressed the rising Covid-19 cases in Sarawak, mentioning that the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee is awaiting the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) decision.

“But my advice to the people of Sarawak is to be cautious because there are indications of cases. What we will do next, we will wait for MOH’s decision.”