Fix Problems Plaguing Emergency Call System Dap Senator Urges Govt

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A DAP senator has urged the government to immediately address the problems plaguing the newly launched Next Generation Emergency Services (NG999) system before it becomes a national disaster.
According to Dr A Lingeshwaran, the new system has been bogged down with technical issues since its launch on Nov 16.
“I received feedback from the public and stakeholders who confirmed the system is not functioning properly.
“This failure will directly put people’s safety and lives at risk,” he warned in a statement today.
The NG999 is a replacement for the old Malaysian Emergency Response 999 (MERS999) system.
In July last year, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the new system integrated web-based digital mapping, caller ID, geolocation services, artificial intelligence technology and mobile smart applications into emergency incident management, providing more efficient assistance nationwide.
The NG999 system had also been expanded to more than 800 locations nationwide, a two-fold increase compared to the locations under MERS999, she added.
Glitches in system
Lingeshwaran said several ambulance service providers had complained that they were receiving calls non-stop, indicating NG999’s failure to manage and coordinate emergency calls, leaving NGOs to step up and provide additional assistance.
He also pointed to a case in Teluk Air Tawar, Butterworth in Penang, where the system dispatched two ambulances for the same case.
“This is not only a clear example of poor coordination but also a waste of precious resources.
“In addition, it can also cause delays for other emergency cases,” he added.
Senator Dr A LingeshwaranThe DAP leader called on the government to resolve the matter immediately and be transparent with the public on what caused the problems.
Lingeshwaran also urged the government to conduct a comprehensive audit of NG999 to identify its weaknesses and resolve them.
He suggested the authorities include NGOs’ ambulance services in NG999, which would help alleviate the burden on the public health services.
“I urge those affected to share their experience with me. Your feedback is important so that we can push the relevant authorities to implement appropriate measures to remedy the situation.
“And I must stress that this is not a minor technical glitch as we’re dealing with human lives here. Such a failure of an important system is unacceptable,” he added. - Mkini

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