PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s new Cell Broadcast System (CBS) for disaster warnings can deliver alerts directly to mobile devices without requiring recipients’ phone numbers, SMS services or an internet connection, the Communications Ministry said.
The system, being implemented by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under a new Early Warning System (EWS), is intended to provide faster, more targeted and effective disaster alerts to compatible mobile devices in affected areas.
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In a written reply to Ir Ts Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) in the Dewan Rakyat, the ministry said CBS would complement and eventually replace the existing disaster warning system delivered through SMS.
It said the system was also being developed based on inclusive design principles to ensure emergency information could reach all sections of society, including people with visual or hearing disabilities and those who have difficulty reading.
“Besides text display, the CBS system is designed to support the delivery of warning messages in the form of vibrations and audio through accessibility functions on compatible mobile devices, including screen reader or voice output functions,” it said.
The ministry said these features would allow warning messages to be conveyed through vibration and audio, making it easier for users with accessibility needs to receive and understand emergency information.
It added that accessibility, device compatibility and the specific needs of target groups would be taken into consideration during the testing and implementation of the system.
On the system’s ability to function during disasters that disrupt telecommunications and internet services, the ministry said CBS had an advantage as alerts were transmitted directly through mobile networks to devices in affected areas.
“This does not require the recipient’s telephone number, SMS service or an internet connection,” it said.
The ministry said CBS only required at least one functioning mobile network service in the affected area, regardless of which mobile service provider the user subscribed to.
However, in the event of a complete disruption to mobile networks, the delivery of warnings would be supported by a network recovery plan coordinated with disaster management agencies, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
The plan would include restoring and reactivating affected network facilities to enable warning services to resume.
