SIBU: Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu Branch has been urged to take the lead in providing Automated External Defrillator (AED) training to the public.
These include local committees for the public spaces, Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs), and hawkers at markets.
In making the call, Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek emphasised a vital health and safety initiative recently highlighted by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who has called for AED to be made mandatory under the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994, which is set to be amended.
“Given Sarawak’s high prevalence of heart disease, I strongly agree with this proposal and believe that the MRCS Society Sibu Branch can play a pivotal role in its success.
“However, having laws and AED equipment alone is not enough. If no one knows how to use the equipment, its presence will not save lives.
“This is why it is so important for the MRCS Sibu Branch to take the lead in providing AED training. Such efforts will ensure that life-saving interventions are accessible and effective when they are most needed,” he said at the MRCS Sibu Branch’s Appreciation dinner held at its premises in Jalan Awang Rambli Amit here on Saturday.
Chieng pointed out that this year has been a testament to the MRCS Sibu Branch’s unwavering commitment to the community, and their hard work in organising activities that touched lives, provided hope, and uplifted those in need which had not gone unnoticed.
From disaster response and health campaigns to first aid training and humanitarian outreach, he noted that their efforts reflected the core values of the Red Crescent: humanity, impartiality, and voluntary service.
These values, he stressed, are reminders of the importance of coming together as a community to support one another, especially during challenging times.
While celebrating these achievements, it was important to acknowledge the challenges faced by the MRCS Sibu Branch, he said, adding that recruitment of new members and volunteers was becoming increasingly difficult, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He highlighted that sustaining financial stability remained a concern, as the organisation relies on public support and sponsorships to continue its impact work.
In addition, he said, raising public awareness about the importance of humanitarian efforts also required persistent effort to engage and educate the community.
“As we look to the future, let us continue to uphold the core values of the MRCS. Let us work hand in hand to build a more caring, resilient, and compassionate society. I urge everyone to continue supporting the MRCS Sibu Branch, as their work is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building a better tomorrow for our community.
“On behalf of the community, I extend my deepest gratitude to the MRCS Sibu Branch for being a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for so many. May the Branch continue to shine as a symbol of hope, humanity, and unity,” Chieng added.
Among those present were MRCS Sibu branch chairman, Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee; MRCS Sibu branch deputy chairman, Hii Sieh Toh; and MRCS Sibu branch vice chairperson, Normah Abdulrahman.
