The Miri Amateur Radio Club has joined the battle to douse the stubborn peat fire near the Malaysia-Brunei border

They are contributing their communication equipment and frequency to Fire and Rescue (Bomba) personnel to overcome communication woes with their operation centre.

The radios and repeater station was a shot in the arm for the firefighters hampered by poor communication with their operation centre from ground zero due to spotty GIRN (Government Integrated Radio Network) coverage and lack of telecommunication coverage here.

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, describes the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication.

This radio communication link has enabled firefighters to communicate with their counterparts at the operation centre with the club’s radio sets.

The battle area is bordering Brunei, about eight kilometres from Asean Bridge across the Baram River.

Miri Bomba chief Law Poh Kiong thanked the club for sending their repeater equipment for use at the site where firemen are using direct attack strategy, having carved a fire break around an area of 120 acres.

Media Story - https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/04/25/amateur-radio-club-lends-a-hand-to-fire-fighters/

Miri Amateur Radio Club - http://marc.org.my/