CDF conducts Public Warning System siren test

KAJANG - The Civil Defence Force (CDF) conducted a Public Warning System (PWS) siren test to evaluate its effectiveness in warning the public of threats, including disasters, war, disease outbreaks, emergencies, riots and curfews.

Its Disaster Management Operations Division director Sharudin Md Zin said they hoped that through the test, the public would always be aware and react immediately without panicking when they heard the warning siren.

The siren can reach a distance of one to five kilometres depending on the terrain, and currently there are 30 such sirens throughout the country, he said, adding that the CDF was planning to install 250 sirens by 2024 at locations of economic importance such as ports and government administrative buildings.

The siren is capable of producing four different warning sounds, a long continuous sound is used for earthquakes, landslides and major fires that require the public to evacuate from buildings or to stop their vehicles and gather in open spaces.

A repeated continuous sound is used for flood, huge waves, air strikes, disease outbreaks, toxic threats, haze or public order disruptions and the public is required to seek shelter in buildings or other reinforced closed areas.

A short sound is used to mark the end of the treat, while an announcement sound precedes public announcements made through the system.

The latest versions of electronic sirens have also been installed at several of CDF’s baywatch towers since the tsunami of 2004. - BERNAMA