‘Global class’ facilities at new Labuan Meteorology Department

LABUAN: The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili officiated the new Labuan Meteorology Department building at Jalan Pulau Buah, near here on Saturday.

The RM5.3 million building was officiated in conjunction with World Meteorology Day 2013 at the Sabah and Labuan level.

Maximus in his speech said the new building is equipped with various ‘global class’ facilities including information transmitter system to the National Tsunami Early Warning System at the National Meteorological Department (NMD) headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

He said some of the equipment and facilities on the island are the tsunami siren at Layang-Layangan Firestation, specialised cameras at the Labuan International Campus Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS-KAL), and a tide gauge at the port area.

“With access to these systems and facilities, any initial information should there be a tsunami can help Labuan residents be prepared at least 2 hours ahead to evacuate to safe areas,” he commented.

Also present at the event were assemblyman Senator Datuk Yunus Kurus, MOSTI deputy secretary-general (science) Prof. Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Yussof, Meteorology Department director-general Che Gayah Ismail, and Labuan Meteorology Department director Lim Ze Hui.

According to Maximus, the building first started construction in 2005 and was completed in 2008. It is capable of improving services such as weather observation to flight meteorology services for the Air Force, acting as air traffic control on their behalf.

Meanwhile, Maximus commented that the transfer of the Sea and Oceanography Section from the National Meteorological Department headquarters to the new Labuan Meteorology Department is a smart move and is part of a three-pronged solution.

“This is because it can help NMD provide flight meteorology services, help improve the efficiency and safety of flight operations at airfields as well as improving the safety of marine activities in Labuan, other than reducing critical office space shortage at the headquarters in Petaling Jaya,” he said.

In conjunction with World Meteorology Day, an exhibition of various government agencies and a collection for the National Heroes Fund was organised.

Maximus also presented Karisma contributions by MOSTI and the Labuan Welfare Department to 30 recipients who comprised single mothers, orphans and the less fortunate.

 

Source : New Sabah Times