Rumaizi (black and grey T-shirt) visiting a Fire and Rescue Department booth during the launch of the ERT programme at the flats.
AN Emergency Response Team (ERT) has been set up at the Ashby Road Flats in Ipoh.
Said to be the first-ever ERT to be set up in a high-rise residential area in Perak, it will provide crucial services during emergencies at the flats.
These include first aid, early intervention to stop fires from spreading and ensuring smooth evacuation in case of disaster.
Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said it was crucial to have such a team in a high-density residential area to assist those in distress before the authorities arrive.
“This is a community development programme that will fuel volunteerism and well-being,” he told reporters after launching the team at the flats.
He said the ERT comprised 12 individuals representing the 12 blocks in the area.
“These 11 men and one woman were chosen by the community there and will go for a three-day training programme conducted by the Perak Fire and Rescue Department.
“They will also be trained in basic medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),” he added.
There are 1,700 residents, mostly lower-income families, living in 584 units at the flats.
Rumaizi said the city council had received RM12,500 from Housing and Local Government Ministry to run the ERT.
“I understand the allocation will be given annually.”
He said the city council planned to set up the next ERT team at the Kinta Height Flats.
“We have about five flats schemes under our management, so we plan to set up a team for each of them,” he added. — By ILI AQILAH
