Disaster alert Cell Broadcast System in final phase, live testing on Nov 19
IPOH: The Cell Broadcast System, a national disaster warning system announced last year, is in its final phase of development, with live testing scheduled for Nov 19.
The Malaysian Cell Broadcast System, a national disaster warning system, is nearing completion after final development phase. Live testing for the system is set to commence on November 19. Created by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the system will distribute emergency alerts directly to mobile phones in affected regions without necessitating recipients to provide phone numbers, SMS service subscriptions, or internet access.
Aimed at complementing and eventually superseding the existing SMS-based warnings, the new system promises swifter, more precise alerts to those in high-risk areas. Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that timely warnings could grant individuals crucial minutes to evacuate and find shelter before disaster strikes.
The system transmits alerts through existing mobile networks to devices compatible with the broadcast, requiring at least one functional mobile network in the affected area, irrespective of the recipient's service provider. Similar to the United States' Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Malaysian system delivers emergency messages directly to compatible mobile phones in designated areas.
However, unlike radio and television broadcasts, the Malaysian system relies solely on mobile networks for alert transmission. Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid underscored the importance of public awareness, trust in accurate information, and accessibility features for users with visual or hearing disabilities and those with reading difficulties.
The ministry assured that the system would adapt to various needs during testing and implementation. In the event of a disaster that disrupts telecommunications and internet services, the Cell Broadcast System's direct mobile network transmission offers an advantage. Nonetheless, a complete mobile network outage would impede alert delivery until service restoration.
A recovery plan, coordinated with disaster management agencies, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders, would facilitate the restoration and reactivation of affected network facilities.
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