PASIR MAS: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has utilised a self-designed multipurpose rescue vehicle (MRV) worth RM1.6 million to assist flood victims in Kampung Bungor here.
Malay, Chinese, Indian and Others Welfare Association (MCIO) president Datuk Shaiful Nizam Abdullah said the MRV can perform various functions, such as transporting goods, generating electricity, and filtering raw water for drinking purposes.
"During floods, regular lorries cannot access areas with high water levels. This MRV is specifically designed to navigate through waters up to 2.4 metres (eight feet) deep.
"The four-wheel-drive vehicle, standing at the height of 4.5 metres (15 feet), enhances MCIO's capacity to assist in disaster-affected areas throughout the peninsula," he told Bernama after distributing food supplies and visiting about 50 stranded flood victims in Kampung Bungor here.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Kelantan State Development Office, the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department (ICU PMD), and the Kelantan Civil Defence Force (CDF).
Meanwhile, Kelantan State Development Office director Jasri Kasim said that they view the use of the MRV as practical and can be expanded in Kelantan, considering the state's frequent exposure to natural disasters.
"The CDF is also here with us today. We will assess the needs of MRV to enhance preparedness and complement the existing assets in Kelantan," he said. – BERNAMA