Make sure SAATNM is operational, Gerakan

Make sure SAATNM is operational, Gerakan

Press statement by Dr Cheah Soon Hai,

Gerakan head of central bureau on environment, safety and quality of life and Derga State Assemblyman

March 16, 2011

In the wake of the super earthquake and subsequent tsunamis in Japan, Gerakan has urged the government to ensure that the National Tsunami Early Warning System (SAATNM) set up in 2005 is in tip-top condition and functioning smoothly.

Gerakan’s head of central bureau on environment, safety and quality of life, Dr Cheah Soon Hai, said today that it is very important to ensure that everything is in order as early detection and warning will avert a disaster and save lives and property.

Dr Cheah, who is also Derga State Assemblyman, said the system would alert the authorities to track killer waves following an earthquake.

“Gerakan hopes the authorities concerned will see to it that the system, including the tsunami warning buoys placed in the coastal areas to detect earthquakes in the South China Sea, is functioning clinically,” said Dr Cheah in a statement.

The buoys are among the main components of SAATNM. They have been placed in the coastal areas, which are prone to the tsunami threat.

After the tsunami hit Indian Ocean nations, including Malaysia, in 2004, the government set up SAATNM, which is aimed at providing early warning on tsunamis for people residing along the country’s coastal stretches.

This measure was implemented by the Science, Technology and Innovations Ministry via the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) in 2005.

SAATNM comprises three major components — data compilation, data processing and data dissemination. It is linked to other warning systems such as for inclement weather and stormy seas.

SAATNM’s data compilation component comprises 14 seismic stations in Kulim, Ipoh, FRIM (in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur), Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Lahat Datu and Tawau.

This component also has three tsunami buoys as well as six tide measuring stations at Porto Malai, Pulau Perak, Teluk Bahang, Pulau Perhentian, Kudat and Lahat Datu apart from four coastal surveillance cameras at Pantai Chenang, Kuala Muda, Batu Feringgi and Pasir Panjang.

At the international level, SAATNM is linked to 25 seismic stations as well as 36 real-time tide-monitoring stations.

Dr Cheah said what’s happening in Japan should be a lesson for all, including Malaysia, that nothing can be taken for granted.

“I also salute the Japanese people for being civil and disciplined in facing the tragedy. Look at them, they are orderly and still queue to buy things including petrol, food and drinks. They don’t jostle or rush madly,” Dr Cheah said, adding we must learn from them.

Ends.