KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — A Defence Geospatial Information Rapid Team (DGIRT) vehicle has been introduced as a pilot project to accelerate the delivery of geospatial information in the field, supporting defence, security and disaster management operations.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the vehicle integrates specialised geospatial equipment to enable faster and more accurate field data collection.

“The vehicle will help us obtain more precise information on the ground while expediting response efforts by enabling teams to reach disaster sites more quickly and accelerating the collection of data and information for follow-up action,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after launching Defence Geospatial Day 2026 (DG’26), themed “Advancing Defence and Security Through Geospatial Capabilities”, at Wisma Perwira today.

Also present were Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman, Defence Geospatial Division Director Brigadier General Datuk Dr Mohd Zambri Muhammad Rabab, and Deputy Director-General of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) 1 Ahmad Sanusi Che Cob.

Syed Ibrahim said the vehicle, developed by JUPEM in collaboration with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), represented a new initiative, although the equipment and instruments it carries had been used previously, including during the landslide incident in Batang Kali, Selangor.

“The difference is that previously, we did not have a dedicated vehicle that integrated all these specific tools. Now, with this combination of equipment, including electric motorcycles and drones, assessments at disaster sites can be carried out with much greater accuracy,” he said.

He added that the initiative drew on lessons from previous disasters and took into account the operational needs of relevant agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

In his opening address, Syed Ibrahim said geospatial information went beyond mapping, describing it as a strategic national asset essential to strengthening defence preparedness, safeguarding sovereignty and improving the effectiveness of security operations.

He stressed that accurate, integrated and up-to-date information was crucial for supporting decision-making, enhancing situational awareness and ensuring the effective execution of security operations.

At the event, held for the first time in collaboration with JUPEM and ATM, Syed Ibrahim also launched the Defence Geospatial Information Management (DGIM) initiative under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

The initiative aims to strengthen the management, integration and sharing of defence-related geospatial information.

He said the development of geospatial capabilities would also involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the exploration of Environmental Intelligence (EI).

Syed Ibrahim further emphasised the importance of cooperation between civilian and military agencies in ensuring coordinated efforts to protect national security and sovereignty, including during humanitarian assistance and disaster management operations. — Bernama