APM Handled Over 12,000 Coastal Emergency Cases Since 2009

KUANTAN, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) has handled over 12,000 coastal emergency cases since 2009, with the presence of beach lifeguards now seen as an urgent need, said its chief commissioner, Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed.

He said Malaysia has a beautiful but risky coastline spanning 4,800 kilometres, with over 600 drowning cases recorded annually.

He said that the APM, as the third line of national security, is seen as playing a significant role in disaster preparedness, search and rescue operations, and educating the public in facing emergencies.

"Therefore, the APM beach lifeguards need to constantly strive to improve tourist safety, strengthen the country's image, and protect the lives of the people," he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of the Civil Defence Lifeguard Challenge (CDLC) 2025 at Teluk Cempedak Beach here today.

The ceremony was officiated by Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Aminurrahim said that CDLC is not just a competition, but a platform to measure the competence, discipline and courage of beach lifeguards.

The third edition of CDLC, which began last Friday and concluded today, saw the participation of 14 contingents from APM state and training centres, six contingents from government agencies, eight contingents from the Civil Defense Student Corps (Kor SISPA), and eight contingents from the Pahang Civil Defense School Cadets (KASPA).

It is understood that this year's event will also strengthen rescue procedures to international professional standards, with tournament disciplines based on the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), including beach events such as Beach Sprint Relay, Beach Flag, Surf Board Relay, Run-Swim-Run, Ocean Endurance, Rescue Tube and Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Race.

In that match, the Sarawak contingent emerged winner, taking home RM4,000 in cash, followed by Kedah in second place (RM3,000) and Sabah in third place (RM2,000).

Sarawak APM contingent chief Captain (RMAF) Madihi Habib, when met, said his 31-member team was made up of new faces selected at the district, zone and state levels.

"We made careful preparations before coming here. The importance of this CDLC is to test the efficiency, discipline, and response stages of our beach lifeguards," he added.

-- BERNAMA