The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today launched the Mobile Integrated Radio and Internet Communications System (PRIME) as a strategic preparedness measure to face natural disasters that can occur anywhere in Malaysia.
In short, the PRIME unit is a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with Internet and emergency radio connectivity capabilities such as satellite, cellular, two-way radio, Wi-Fi and drone technology that can be used for emergency search purposes from the ground and air, which can be used especially during serious natural disaster incidents.
PRIME can also be used as a mobile National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) that allows the public to give and receive information at one location and assist in the search process for missing individuals, for example.
Currently, one PRIME mobile vehicle unit has been developed, with two more units to be developed at a cost of up to RM1 million per vehicle, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The first PRIME unit will be stationed at MCMC headquarters in Cyberjaya, while the other two vehicles to be developed will be sent to Sabah and Sarawak.
The PRIME vehicles will be tested in use around October 2025 to see their effectiveness, and may be deployed to states that will face the Northeast Monsoon in the next few months.