SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: The establishment of an Instant Action Team (Pantas) by the Selangor Government proves the high commitment of the state government, together with local authorities, to help other security agencies in handling emergencies and disasters.
Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that this squad is intended to provide initial assistance for emergency and disaster complaints in a timely manner.
He said that the establishment of this squad will not interfere with existing security agencies such as the police and fire department; instead, it will act as support in providing assistance in aspects such as logistics, expertise and welfare.
“Every local authority involved does actually have their own special force to cope with emergency cases. However, the state government wants to strengthen existing efforts by joining these local authority members into a team called Squad Pantas.
“That way, if there is an emergency and it is needed of us to help the community in any area, we can rely on the various local authorities,” he said when launching the Selangor Squad Pantas establishment at Taman Tasik Subang Ria today.
Also present was State Executives Datuk Teng Chang Khim and Rodziah Ismail, as well as the President of MPSJ, Datuj Asmawi Kasbi.
Squad Pantas is a team established by Selangor local authorities to handle emergencies and disasters such as flooding, landslides, storms, accidents and fire.
Among the local authorities involved is the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBJ), the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), the Klang Municipal Council (MPK), the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and the Sepang Municipal Coucil (MPSp).
So far, a total of 50 members have been selected to join this squad.
Abdul Khalid said that members of this squad will be given a monthly allowance of RM200 per person, and special insurance scheme contributions by each local authority.
He said that the squad’s role will be expanded to other local authorities from time to time, depending on the needs of the community.
“We will have an efficient team to address emergency matters through trained personnel. We also plan to expand this squad to other areas in the near future,” he added.
