MIRI: The second batch of the Mulu National Park Mount Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team was formally appointed after successfully completing their one-month training course.
This team, comprised of 11 individuals, underwent intensive training at Mulu National Park from Aug 20 to Sept 5.
Their appointment letters were presented on Wednesday (Sept 20) by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datu Gerawat Gala. Also in attendance was Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Datu Khirudin Drahman.
With the inclusion of these 11 members, the MOCSAR team now boasts a total of 21 members.
Khirudin explained that these newly appointed members consist of local tour guides, including those from Mulu National Park, Mulu Marriott Resort, and residents from surrounding villages. He emphasised the importance of involving local individuals who are intimately familiar with the area and community expectations.
“We prefer local people because they understand what is expected from the community and what they can expect.”
During their training, the team underwent various forms of training and modules to enhance their skills.
Khirudin also noted that expanding the MOCSAR team in Sarawak, especially in tourist-centric areas like Mulu, aims to improve Bomba’s response time in the region. He revealed that statistics from the Marudi Bomba indicated a total of 289 cases with seven fatalities reported in the area from 2018 to 2022.
“I believe that the new appointments among local personnel, who are already well-acquainted with the area, will provide significant advantages in search and rescue operations.”
For the record, all 11 newly appointed MOCSAR members began their duties on Sept 8.
