Known as FLOODCOM, this command centre was developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM), using environmentally friendly biocomposite materials and innovative 'radiation crosslinked HDPE (RX-HDPE)' floating modules.
Nuklear Malaysia director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan said this first floating command centre is placed in Kampung Bantal, Ulu Tembeling, Jerantut, Pahang for the state's APM use.
"FLOODCOM was operational and utilised during the flood disaster in Pahang in early December last year. Pahang APM is the key agency that operates and regulates this floating operations centre for disaster management," he told Bernama.
Rosli said the FLOODCOM structure would function as a flood disaster operations centre and coordination for APM personnel.
"It also serves as a logistics centre where equipment will be placed to facilitate operations during floods.
"At the same time, it also functions as a disaster relief distribution centre to facilitate coordination of the delivery of relief supplies such as basic necessities, food and medicines," he said.
According to Rosli, FLOODCOM also acts as an alternative communication centre, such as Very High-Frequency (VHF) and High-Frequency (HF) radio communications, should existing communications be disrupted.
"In non-disaster situations, the FLOODCOM structure can be used as a lookout tower to monitor and observe current weather conditions, river water levels, and emergencies.
"It can also be used as a lookout point site for tourists," he said.
He said floating structure technology had been developed for the community's benefit and to increase the application of nuclear technology developed by local experts.
"This technology was developed entirely using the expertise of research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, including laboratory-level studies, prototype development and real-world trial runs that have been conducted since 2009," he added.
The National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030), launched on Sept 20, 2023, is the government's first strategic initiative to mainstream the peaceful use of nuclear technology, aimed at enhancing industrial competitiveness, improving the well-being of the people, and preserving natural resources and the environment.
-- BERNAMA
