Telcos Deploy Cell On Wheels and MOCN Technology To Assist Batang Kali Search & Rescue Effort

In the early hours of 16 December, a portion of Batang Kali – Genting Sempah road collapsed and resulted in a set of two landslides that took place between 20 to 30 minutes from each other. The incident has affected 94 people in the campsite of Father’s Organic Farm which is located within the landslide area, with at least 24 people killed and nine people still missing.

Considering its remote location and hilly terrain, it is not surprising to learn that connectivity is a challenge in the area and immediately become a major issue for Search and Rescue (SAR) operation over there. In a rather rapid response by the government, telcos have been quickly directed to deploy mobile telecommunication infrastructure to the disaster zone.

Bagus @fahmi_fadzil

Time2 rescue dan kecemasan, komunikasi tu penting. pic.twitter.com/SxUIk5dCrU

— KucingKèrong (@KlutzyKucing) December 17, 2022

Over the weekend, several videos that were posted on social media have provided a glimpse of their effort. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has since provided a clearer look at the emergency deployment through a very detailed statement this morning.

According to the statement, MCMC called upon TM, Celcom, Digi, Maxis, and U Mobile to head on directly to the incident area right on 16 December itself to determine the proper communication assets needed to ensure reliable connectivity for the SAR operation. At the same time, the regulator has also asked for help from the Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency Service (MARES) to set up ham radio communications for multiple agencies that are involved in the operation.

Malam kejadian YB @fahmi_fadzil terus turun padang ke kawasan tragedi tanah runtuh Batang Kali untuk meneliti dari segi aspek komunikasi di sana. Beliau turut memohon maaf atas kelewatan.

Terima kasih YB! https://t.co/OJnx4eRhUr pic.twitter.com/aXH922A7af

— Ain Shafiqah Zaki (@AinNewsMPB) December 18, 2022

As it turned out, MARES was already on the scene much earlier in the day to provide assistance. Meanwhile, TM decided to pull fibre optic cable from its nearest node at Awana Genting which is located 2km away from the disaster area. Working hand in hand with TM’s Movable IP Cell (MoVIC) setup together with Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology, all the telcos at the site then managed to deliver mobile services through their Cell On Wheels (COW) equipment with an average speed of more than 50Mbps.

At the same time, TM also deployed unifi Wi-Fi service with a peak speed of 800Mbps at the campsites for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). An Access Point has also been installed on the truck belonging to the Department of Information (JAPEN) to provide connectivity to media members.

Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil during a press conference at the Batang Kali landslide area on 16 December. [Image: PMO via Fahmi Fadzil / Facebook.]

In the same statement, MCMC has also said that it will examine the existing standard operating procedure for telecommunication access in disaster areas, as suggested by the Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil last week. The regulator added that it will work together with industry stakeholders to further improve the SOPs.

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