December 17, 2004 22:28 PM

Mares Can Use RTM's Equipment, Says Donald Lim

Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai has suggested the Malaysia Radio Amateur Emergency Services Society (Mares) to acquire unused RTM equipment for its activities.

He said following RTM's shift to the digital system, most of its old equipment were no longer being used although they were still in good condition and could be used for Mares' communications.

"I suggest Mares see RTM management on the matter and we can consider whether to give the equipment free or for a small fee," he told reporters after being briefed on Mares' operations at its clubhouse in Jalan Selangor, Bangsar, here Friday.

Present was Mares Chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Noor.

Lim also gave his assurance that he would discuss with his counterpart in the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry Datuk Shahziman Abu Mansor to speed up the issuance of a high frequency operating licence for Mares.

Abdul Aziz said Mares was setting up an emergency communication service centre to help travellers and search and rescue agencies to provide urgent information from those in emergencies such as lost or trapped in jungles, mountain areas or missing at sea.

"Towards this aim, we will undertake several fund-raising activities in our efforts to buy the equipment needed," he said.

Mares, set up two years ago, now has 190 members who are inclined towards amateur radio communications and voluntary service, including delivering emergency information to search and rescue authorities.

-- BERNAMA