You know when you’re caught in a compromising situation which calls for help and you just can’t speak or make a sound or else risk being found like in a bank robbery or a kidnapping case. Yes, we see protagonists brilliantly calling for help on their mobiles even with the bad guy in plain sight and end up getting, err, shot. Not very smart now isn’t it?
Well, if you haven’t heard yet, MyDistress is an initiative by the Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) Selangor which enables you to connect directly to the police using this app with just a click or two, no dialing involved.
Sometimes when one is too afraid or unable to speak out of fear of their own safety in order to communicate their location or movement, it’s almost impossible for the rescue team to trace your location.
The police has stressed that MyDistress should only be used in times of emergency such a when someone is injured, suspected of crime or is in a threatening situation. PDRM has all right to suspend this service to any user who misuses the service. Your phone has to be switched on in order to use this application and unless you turn it on, the police will not be able to track your location without permission of course! The app enables the police to detect your location coordinates but not which level you are on if you happen to be on a high rise building.
This app is supported on Apple, Blackberry, Android and Java operating systems but for iPhone and Android users, you can also send a picture through the app to enable the police to identify you or your location easily.
MyDistress is available for all for now but starting January 2012, there will be a RM2 monthly subscription to maintain the system and enhancements of the service. Currently, MyDistress is only supported within Selangor as it is a PDRM Selangor initiative so if you were to use the app outside the state, the police won’t be able to receive your transmission.
So the next time you find yourself in a “damsel in distress” situation, always remember that help is a click away because sometimes, your life really is in your hands. Nevertheless, always stay alert and stay safe! For more information and to download the MyDistress app, visit the official site here.
