REDS plans to promote ROIP network in S’wak

KUCHING: A Sarawak-based non-governmental organisation, Radio Emergency Drone Sarawak (REDS) is currently working with the Malaysia Amateur Radio Transmitting Society ( MARTS) to promote Radio Over Internet Protocol (ROIP) network in the state.

REDS president Zainuddin Hamdan said the creation of the network would not be requiring the erection of new telecommunication towers or laying of additional telephone lines, but merely riding on cellular platforms.

“Wherever internet signal could be received, it (the ROIP) would link to radio repeaters and this would be cheaper than constructing (telecommunication) towers or ( laying) cables (for telephone lines),” he told Bernama recently.

According to Zainuddin, the ROIP would expand the range of communication and would be crucial during disaster management or rescue operations in locations with limited connectivity.

“With our network of 125 members all over Sarawak, we are prepared to assist the authorities to render our radio communication services expertise especially during floods or any kind of disaster,” he said.

Zainuddin said REDS, formed on June 26, 2016, is also a member of the National Disaster Management Agency ( Nadma) and had signed memoranda of understanding with MARTS, the country’s first amateur radio club, and the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department.

Following the prevailing dry season that took place in the state lately, he said he had led REDS office-bearers for a courtesy call on the Sarawak Fire and Rescue director, Khiruddin Drahman, recently to explain the role that they could play should a disaster arise from the situation.

“REDS now has three emergency radio repeaters where all response agencies can use during emergencies in

Kuching, Serian and Mukah, and is planning to install in Mulu, Sibu, Kapit, Pakan and Marudi where flood often occurs,” he said.

In addition, he said their members from Kuching, Serian, Mukah, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Kapit divisions also have their own radio equipment as well as drone teams, while hoping to increase their membership particularly among young Sarawakians.

“We plan to promote interests on amateur radio among Sarawak youths with the current REDS members being prepared to impart and share their knowledge,” he added. — Bernama