THE Communications and Multimedia Ministry has suggested building higher platforms of about 3m at 1,000 telecommunication towers affected by the recent floods.

Minister Annuar Musa said this will ensure communication will not be cut off and damage to the towers can be reduced during disasters.

“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has been told to ensure telecommunication towers in flood-prone areas will not have equipment at ground-level in future.

“Communication systems should not be cut off even if water rises to about 3m or after it recedes. With this initiative, at least those trapped on rooftops can send SOS (for help).”

It has been reported that almost 1,000 flood-damaged telecommunication towers have been repaired.

Annuar said he wants related parties to draft a more effective information delivery system in flood-prone areas.

“The current way is limited, such as the Info on Wheels… I want information that can reach every exposed user wherever they are.

“Look at Japan, when an earthquake is about to happen, even a minor one, the information will reach every mobile phone user, even tourists will receive the message.

“We do have a system, but I want a better one, especially after what we went through with the recent floods.” – Bernama, January 2, 2022.