A 24-hour Ops Selamat ambulance service has been launched in Penang in conjunction with Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri to boost rescue services.
Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Penang Chapter adviser Steven Sim said since 2022, the local MRC had worked with the Health Ministry under the Hotspot Project and responded to nearly 15,000 emergency cases at an average of 250 to 300 calls per month.
“Strategically based in Batu Maung, trained volunteers provide pre-hospital care and basic life support, often stabilising patients before they reach hospital.
“Festive joy must be matched with preparedness,” he said at the launch at a hotel in Magazine Road in George Town.
Sim, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP, said festive seasons bring families together but they also bring higher traffic and risk.
“In emergencies, speed and efficiency can mean the difference between life and death,” he said, urging motorists to abide by the rules, avoid drink driving and call 999 immediately during an emergency.
“Under the 24-hour Ops Selamat deployment, ambulances will be stationed at four strategic locations statewide from Feb 14 to 20 for Chinese New Year and March 17 to 23 for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.”
Sim also contributed a new RM250,000 ambulance to the chapter’s fleet, describing it as “a moving symbol of hope and compassion” that would ensure timely emergency care remained accessible to all.
For years, Penang’s public emergency response system faced mounting pressure during festive seasons as traffic and accident rates surged.
Limited ambulance availability especially during peak balik kampung periods often stretched hospital resources, prompting closer collaboration with volunteer organisations to reinforce frontline coverage.
Also present were MRC Penang Chapter chairman Datuk Seri Lim Tiong Chin and his deputy Datuk Loh Nam Hooi, Ambulance and Disaster Committee chairman P. Muthukumaran and M Summit Group chairman Datuk Albert Moh.
Meanwhile, St John Ambulance of Malaysia Penang Chapter also launched its 2026 Ops Selamat Highway Ambulance Service to cover major routes during the Chinese New Year rush.
Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi, representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said the state government viewed public safety as a shared responsibility.
“Collaboration between government agencies and volunteer organisations like St John is crucial to ensure our emergency response system remains on high alert.
“This year, four ambulances and 37 members will be deployed for 96 hours in two phases from Feb 14 to 16 and Feb 20 to 22.”
Last year, three ambulances and 28 members handled 72 cases comprising traffic accidents (35%), medical emergencies (40%) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (5%) cases.
To support the initiative, Gooi announced a RM10,000 allocation while Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai pledged RM5,000 and while Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang contributed RM2,000.
Penang St John Ambulance commander Datuk Seri Dr Yee Thiam Sun said statistics from previous festive periods clearly showed the urgent need for medical presence along major highways.
“Early intervention is often the critical difference between life and death,” he said.
