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MALAYSIAN Red Crescent Society (MRCS) members will hit the streets of Penang this weekend to seek donations in conjunction with the society’s annual Flag Day.

MRCS Penang branch chairman Saw Ewe Yong said the branch had targeted a collection of RM100,000 this year to cover its expenses. Last year, the expenditure for our activities and operations amounted to RM600,000 and we expect the figure to rise to RM700,000 this year.

“One-third of the expenditure each goes to members’ training, administrative cost and maintenance of our premises and vehicles respectively,” he said at the event’s launching by state executive councillor Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan at the Penang MRCS headquarters recently.

Leading by example: Dr Teng(second left)contributing some money after launching the Flag Day.

Saw said as a voluntary body, the society did not get any grant from the government and was solely depended on public donations. He said 5,000 members in their white uniforms would go around the streets and shopping complexes with their collection tins.

Organising chairman Chan Hon Kwong said among the activities carried out by the branch was the 24-hour ambulance standby service during festive seasons. “It is through our various fundraising projects that we are able to carry out our humanitarian work to the highest caliber,” he added.

In his speech, Dr Teng lauded the society for organising this mass effort, which reflected the spirit of cooperation. “I strongly appeal to the public to donate generously when approached by the members,” he added.

TSUNAMI victims, now staying in temporary houses, can look forward to moving into brand new apartments in Tanjung Bungah by the end of next month.

The buka puasa event was jointly organised by Maxis Communications and the Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS).  According to Maxis acting head of corporate affairs Datuk Ahmad A. Talib, this was the second time the company was hosting such an event for the state’s tsunami victims.

“The company will continue organising such gatherings to foster closer relations with the community,” he said.

About 100 Maxis and MRCS volunteers prepared the food for the buka puasa.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who announced this yesterday, asked the victims staying in temporary houses in Jalan Batu Ferringhi to be patient for a little longer.

“I had hoped that the apartments would be ready before Hari Raya but I have been told that there is a slight delay in the construction work.

“I know this temporary settlement is not ideal but nonetheless, it has all the basic amenities and is quite comfortable for a temporary shelter.

“The new apartments will definitely be more comfortable,” he said in his buka puasa speech at the Batu Ferringhi settlement.

Last month, it was reported that the tsunami victims “were fed up with the delay”.

Some of them had also complained that the houses were smaller than what was promised.

Dr Koh later presented batik, kain pelekat and foodstuff to the 98 families living at the settlement.

T-shirts and duit raya were also presented to the 200 children present.

THE Malaysian Red Crescent Society Penang branch has been designated the northern region hub catering to Penang, Kedah and Perlis.

MRCS Penang branch chairman Saw Ewe Yong said the recognition was given by the national headquarters recently. Saw said the Penang branch had good facilities and equipment to cater to the northern region states. “We are grateful for the support given by the public all these years,” he said.

More than 600 people attended the dinner that was held recently at Equatorial Hotel in Penang.  The guest of honour was Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas. Also present was Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Among the highlights were a charity drive, lucky draw and entertainment show.  The guests were also entertained to a batik fashion show, Malay cultural dance and cha-cha dance performance.

THE Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Penang branch has assumed a role as the society’s Northern Logistics Hub for Disaster Response.

The branch chairman Ir. Saw Ewe Yong said the decision was made following the branch’s involvement in helping Kedah and Perlis during the recent floods and fire.  “For this role, the headquarters has provided the branch with two rescue boats,” he said.

He was at the presentation of service awards to 73 members in conjunction with World Red Crescent Day recently.

Saw said in the past, MRCS only provided ambulance and non-emergency services.  “We are now seriously looking into providing 24-hour emergency services,” he said.

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