Johor Crisis Relief Squad of MCA elite members undergoing training in handling motorboat as well as equipment usage at XPark Sunway in Iskandar Puteri.
THERE has been increased interest in volunteerism following the massive floods that hit several districts in Johor earlier this year, a local volunteer group notes.
Johor Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) chief Tai Chee How said the organisation currently had more than 300 members in the state.
“One-third are new recruits who will be despatched to any location that requires disaster relief.
“CRSM members are usually given basic disaster relief training by the relevant authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Department,” he said.
Tai said they noticed that the number of boats provided by government agencies was insufficient during the recent Johor floods.
“We need a complete list of assets and equipment.
“In addition, we need more trained volunteers who can also operate motorboats safely,” he added.
A training session for 21 CRSM elite members was conducted at XPark Sunway in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
The members were given training in operating motorboats and using rescue equipment.
According to Tai, there are more than 100 elite CRSM members nationwide who will be the first ones mobilised and sent to areas in crisis.
“CRSM was established in 2006 and the members have established a close relationship with the Fire and Rescue Department and police as well as volunteer fire brigades,” he said.
He added that the Johor training programme was the second session conducted after Penang. — By YEE XIANG YUN
