Maritime community urged to install the K3M phone application
LAHAD DATU: The maritime community, especially those within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) are strongly urged to download and install in their smartphones the Kesedaran Keselamatan Komuniti Maritim (K3M) or Maritime Community Safety Awareness phone application which could shorten the response time in the event of an emergency.
Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Naval Region 2 commander Rear Admiral Datuk N Ganesh said the phone application which can be downloaded for free at the Google Play Store could provide more effective assistance while on the waters.
Ganesh said the application which is equipped with an SOS button, is among the various initiatives that are being implemented to increase security in ESSZone.
“By pressing the SOS button, security forces will receive an alert and could immediately identify the location and estimated time to reach to the scene. With that, we can send appropriate assistance using a helicopter or boats,” he said.
According to Ganesh, the current application can be accessed in three languages, and, if there is a need, another language can be added on, as the application is not only for assistance but also to provide current information on maritime situations or conditions.
Ganesh said the application is currently accessed by about 50 percent of the maritime community, and they are targeting to have 70,000 downloads this year.
“We will also expand the use of the application to tourists,” he said, when met during the Hari Raya celebration on board the navy vessel Tun Azizan in connection with the Trilateral Maritime Patrol initiative with the Philippines Navy ship, BRP Miguel Malvar.
In the meantime, Ganesh said the RMN will introduce the 'Sea Alert' application which will be installed on ships of the Malaysian Ships Association to handle any emergency cases immediately, should it arise.
He added that the RMN will also provide explanation on the K3M and Sea Alert applications to the maritime community.