RedCrescentPenang.org.my

THE Penang branch of the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) is holding a charity food fair on May 15 in Prai in a bid to raise RM120,000 to fund its 12-hour ambulance service in Permatang Tinggi.  The fair will be held from 10am to 2pm at the Chai Leng Park multipurpose hall.

State executive councillor Law Choo Kiang said the ambulance service had benefitted residents in central and south Seberang Prai. “The volunteers respond to calls from the police and hospitals to assist during emergencies including road accident victims,” he told a press conference on Sunday.  He added that part of the funds would be used for the training of members in first aid, pre-hospital care and rescue work.

Event organising committee chairman Datuk Lee Hean Guan said visitors to the fair can expect home-cooked food prepared by MRC members and their families. “Among others, food items donated by well-wishers and corporate bodies will also be on sale,” he said. He added the committee would implement the state government’s ‘No Plastic Bag Campaign’ at the event. “We appeal to those coming to the fair to bring their own bags and containers,” he said.

Coupons for the fair are being sold at the MRC chapters on Penang island and mainland at RM20 per booklet.  For details, call the Penang branch at 04-8275678.

The Malaysian Red Crescent, Penang Branch would like to inform the public that it has NOT authorized any third party organisation/company to collect funds on its behalf.

Those wishing to donate to the victims of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster can give their donations directly to the Malaysian Red Crescent, Penang Branch Office, located at 26, Jalan Grove in Air Itam. (Tel: 04 827 5678).  Acknowledgement of the donations will be given.

The donations collected will be handed over to the Malaysian Red Crescent Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, which will then make arrangements to send the donations to the Japan Red Cross.

MALAYSIANS by nature are a helpful lot and they are ever willing to help road accident victims out of their mangled vehicles but unfortunately, they do not have the skills or knowledge to conduct a proper rescue. Penang deputy chief police officer Senior Asst Comm Datuk Abd Rahim Jaafar said such good intentions have resulted in some of the injured passing away at the scene due to the improper way of extricating them. He cited a case in Baling a few years ago when several villagers rushed in to pull victims out of an express bus after it crashed. “They failed to realise that some victims could not be removed and needed to be stabilised first. Although, the villagers meant well, some of the victims they rescued later died,” he said.

SAC Abd Rahim said Malaysians must learn the basic rescue techniques. He said there were now several non-governmental organisations such as the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) offering intensive training for free. He added that the police were also working with the MRCS to improve the rescue skills of police personnel.

Earlier, SAC Abd Rahim, together with MRC Penang Branch Chairman Datuk B.J. Yeang, launched the Penang Red Crescent’s 24-hour ambulance service in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations. The service will end on Feb 6. About 220 MRCS members will be on standby statewide over the festive period. The public are advised to call 999 in case of any emergencies and the nearest ambulance would be assigned to respond.

In another development, SAC Abd Rahim said the police had formed special squads to monitor express bus drivers in conjunction with the seasonal Ops Sikap.

On standby: SAC Abd Rahim flagging off the volunteer Red Crescent ambulance services, watched by Yeang (on his right).

Date :  December 18, 2010
Venue :  Kampung Valdor, Seberang Perai Selatan
Participation :  170 members from various secondary schools
Description :  This course presents an insight into fire regulations and general fire precautions that trained by Fire & Rescue Department of Malaysia (Jabatan BOMBA & Penyelamat Malaysia), covers role of youth leader, role of first responder during emergency, action on discovering a fire, causes of fire, fire safety precautions, how to use fire extinguishers, liaison with the fire service, fire safety legislation, common causes of fire, fire drills and evacuation.