PUTRAJAYA: Proton recently contributed drones valued at RM200,000 to the government of Nepal to support humanitarian and disaster response efforts following the recent floods.
The drones were handed over to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) at the headquarters of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) in Pulau Meranti for onward delivery to Nepal.
NADMA coordinated the arrangement, with SMART assisting to transport the drones to Nepal as the team is scheduled to travel there as part of Malaysia’s humanitarian mission.
The drones will remain in the country following their delivery.
The drones provide practical operational support during disaster response, enabling aerial assessment of affected areas, including locations that may be difficult to access from the ground. The technology can also help response teams gain a broader understanding of conditions on site when planning the deployment of personnel and resources.
Representing Proton at the handover was Proton International Corp Sdn Bhd (PICSB) CEO Edmund Lim Meng Thong, while NADMA was represented by its director general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim.
The handover was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, namely Choo Hwai Jeng, principal assistant secretary, South and Central Asia Division, and Zul Izwan Hamzah, head of corporate communication, communications and public diplomacy division.
“During a disaster, having a clear view of affected areas can make a real difference to response efforts. Drones can provide valuable aerial visibility, particularly in locations that may be difficult or unsafe to reach immediately.
“SMART team will assist to provide a full training of how to operate the drones to related Nepal agency before handling over. We hope this contribution will be useful to the Government of Nepal, both during the current humanitarian effort and in strengthening its disaster response capabilities over time,” said Lim.
Proton is also present in Nepal through its authorised distributor, Jagdamba Motors, representing the Proton e.MAS brand.
