RANAU METEOROLOGICAL STATION TO START OPERATIONS IN JANUARY

Ranau Meteorological Station To Start Operations In January

 

RANAU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Ranau Meteorological station, expected to be operational in January, will be an important addition to Sabah's meteorological infrastructure, especially for inland meteorological data.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said this was particularly, in light of the agricultural development in Ranau, the state's largest producer of highland vegetables and noted for its hilly geographical structure.

He said the station was equipped with earthquake-monitoring sensor, adding that its data would be transmitted directly to the state office and headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

"This will allow efficient management of agricultural development," he said during a visit to the site here Monday.

Accompanying him on the visit were Meteorological Department director-general Dr Yap Kok Seng (pic right), Sabah Meteorological Department deputy director Donis Gunting, Ranau assistant land revenue collector Blasius Wong (left back), Ranau assistant district officer Bernard Kimin (front left) and the ministry's under-secretaries, Chong Poon Chai and Choong Kok Eng.

During the visit, Dr Ongkili was briefed on the construction of the station which costs RM4.7 million, including land acquisition for the road leading to it.

Construction of the station, which includes an office building and five units of staff quarters, is 97 per cent complete. It will be manned by six people.

It will be the sixth station for Sabah, apart from Keningau, Kudat, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau.