Exercise S.A.R 2026 endurance tests, PGA membership skills

KUCHING, 28th September: Exercise Search and Rescue (S.A.R) of the Sarawak KDNKA Department of 2026 conducted by Briged Sarawak, General Movement Force (PGA) for 11 days in Serapi Mountain Reserve Forest curtain today.

The training, which ran from September 18 to 28, tested the physical and mental resilience of participants, as well as enhanced their skills, agility and readiness in conducting search and rescue operations in challenging areas.

The selection of the Serapian Reserve Forest as a training site presents its own challenges due to the complex shape of mountainous terrain, river and straw networks, in addition to weather conditions as well as difficult to predict directional changes and wind speeds.

According to the PGA Briged Sarawak, during training participants were exposed to various SAR skills including roping, rappelling, abseiling, fast roping, hover jump and winching, in addition to operating Operating Motion Room (OCC), Deep Jungle SAR and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).

"The training also emphasizes on enhancing the capacity of SMEs/PRPs, Tiger Platoon and infantry elements to cope with crisis and disaster situations, including effective and safe use of SAR equipment.

"In doing so, the Sarawak Innovation and Creative Group (IKG) Briged is applying Dr Tracker's innovative device to help identify and monitor the exact position of SAR participants when they are in desert areas", the statement said.

Sarawak's Briged Drone Unit supports aspects of air surveillance and monitoring through the use of drones equipped with thermal and infrared detection technology, especially for monitoring areas that are physically difficult to access.

The involvement of the 69th Commando Force, Sarawak Briged Drone Unit, KIK Briged Sarawak as well as battalions under the administration of PGA Sarawak Briged also enhanced aspects of cooperation, coordination and use of technology in SAR operations.

Exercise S.A.R 2026 is controlled at the overall level by Director JKDNKA, while the Command and Control aspect is accountable to Sarawak PGA Brigade Commander, SAC Datuk Lim Bak Phai.

As for the Ground Command aspect, the responsibility lies with PGA Kuching's 11th Battalion Government Officer, Supt Ku Majidin Che Ku Jusoh.

The training will be a testing ground for resilience, discipline, technical skills, leadership and teamwork of each participant in the face of challenging and uncertain situations.

Through the implementation of Ex-SAR 2026, Briged Sarawak PGA continues to enhance its members' capabilities in dealing with any form of threat, crisis and disaster, as well as incorporating human skills, technology and innovation in supporting search and rescue operations.

People, skills, technology and innovation are all facing the Amazon of Asia. The Amazon Asia has been met, challenges overcome, technology and innovation leveraged, while preparedness continues to be a priority.

The Sarawak PGA Brigade remains committed to ensuring every officer and member is always on high alert and ready to exercise trust for the safety of the people and sovereignty of the country.