Sarawak GOF introduces innovative off-grid tracker for SAR operations

Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang (centre) inspecting the guard of honour during the event on Saturday.

By Tedong Rantayy

MIRI, Oct 5: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) has taken a leap forward in search and rescue (SAR) operations with the introduction of an innovative off-grid position tracking device.

Created by the Sarawak Brigade’s Creative and Innovative Group (KIK), the device enables authorities to track movements in remote areas without internet connectivity, ensuring faster response times during SAR missions.

Sarawak GOF Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang announced the breakthrough during the closing ceremony of the SAR Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) course, which has been ongoing since September 22 at GOF’s 12th Battalion in Miri.

“The device can track anyone who ventures into the forest, even without internet access. This is crucial for SAR operations, where conventional methods are often slow and manual. We’ve integrated both on-grid and off-grid technology, meaning it can work in areas with or without internet,” said Dr Che Ghazali.

The off-grid tracker, which is the first of its kind developed by the GOF Sarawak Brigade, uses Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to monitor movements in real-time.

“With this device, we can plot the movement of SAR teams or individuals in the forest. It allows us to act quickly in case of any threat or deviation from planned routes,” Dr Che Ghazali added.

The GOF commander emphasised the importance of expanding the technology beyond its current pilot phase, which has been successfully tested in recent SAR operations.

“We aim to propose this device to Bukit Aman for use across the entire brigade and by other agencies. It can be a game-changer in tracking missing persons or monitoring those venturing into remote areas.”

In addition to SAR operations, the device has potential applications in other areas such as monitoring illegal logging and border security.

“We’ve already used a similar sensor device in our border areas, which detects movement within a range of 10 to 24 kilometers, especially in illegal access routes,” said Dr Che Ghazali.

The Sarawak GOF is also exploring collaborations with private companies to further enhance the device’s capabilities.

“Bukit Aman has instructed us to discuss with interested companies to improve the technology. This tool is essential in today’s fast-moving technological landscape,” he stated.

Present at the event were Sabah GOF Deputy Commander ACP Ahmad Radzi Hussain and Police Air Wing Unit (PGU) Sarawak Base Commander ACP Alias Abdul Wahab, signaling strong regional support for the advancement of SAR technology. — DayakDaily