APM launches Op Ramah as proactive measure to face Southwest monsoon

KUALA LUMPUR - The government, through the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), today launched Op Ramah as a proactive measure to provide the public with advice on the risks faced during the Southwest monsoon.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions), in his speech when launching the operation at the International Islamic University (IIUM) in Gombak, said according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Southwest monsoon, which began on May 15, was expected to last until September.

"Throughout this period, rainfall is low in several places, resulting in drought, haze, environmental/air pollution, and so on, which can cause destruction to the agricultural sector and affect the chain of several economic sectors," he said.

Therefore, he said, several government departments and agencies, including the Environment Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, MetMalaysia, and Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department, can work via the Op Ramah platform to ensure the success of this operation.

He said that Op Ramah tasks include patrolling and monitoring hotspots, as well as advising the public on numerous prohibitions, particularly those relating to the weather during the Southwest monsoon. - BERNAMA