CRSM launches elite squads to help flood victims nationwide

PETALING JAYA: The Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) has set up an elite team in each state across the country to offer immediate assistance to flood victims.

CRSM national chief Datuk Natalie Lim Chong Ly said the elite teams consist of 109 members across the country, and they would be quickly mobilised to flood areas to aid victims, and collect relevant information so that aid missions can be arranged.

As an example, Lim said Kedah CRSM's elite squad was mobilised in the recent Baling flash floods.

"Together with the Baling MCA division, they led aid missions while sending necessities to flood relief centres.

"We also help in cleaning works after the floods subsided," said Lim during her speech when launching the CRSM elite squad at Wisma MCA on Friday (July 8) morning.

Present during the launch was MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, deputy president Datuk Mah Hang Soon, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hashim, CRSM foundation chairman Datuk Dr Lee Hong Yee and others.

The launch also saw Dr Wee handing over a team bag to the elite squad and Jinan University China donating six lifeboats to CRSM.

CRSM will be partnering with Nadma to provide training courses for the elite team, particularly in operating lifeboats.

Dr Wee, during his speech, recalled an episode with former MCA president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai, when both of them were on a helicopter trip to Kuala Krai to deliver assistance to flood victims.

"We almost couldn't land and the helicopter was forced to return to Kuala Krai.

"It was then I realised that it is very dangerous if we send help without receiving training," added Dr Wee.

Meanwhile, Dr Wee said training for CRSM members was initially mooted by former MCA secretary-general Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

"The volunteers will be placed in a team," added Dr Wee.

Dr Wee thanked Nadma and Jinan University China for supporting CRMS's cause.

"We are not play-acting, because we are serious about assisting Malaysians when they are in need," added Dr Wee.

The Baling floods on July 4 had claimed the lives of three people, destroyed seven houses and severely damaged another 70.

At present, more than 1,400 residents have been evacuated from the area.

Aside from Baling, Kedah, the Klang Valley has also seen several flash floods recently, with the most severe incident taking place in Taman Sri Muda last Dec 17.

During the floods in Taman Sri Muda, water levels had risen to almost the rooftop of single-storey homes and with a lot of damage incurred to belongings and vehicles.