Bracing for an emergency: Dr Wee (second from left) talking to representatives from temples and NGOs after handing over aid to them. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
YONG PENG: The Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) has vast experience in dealing with floods and it is all geared up to face the annual crisis as the country enters the northeast monsoon season, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“They (the members and volunteers) are well prepared and on standby.
“All the boats and engines have been checked and serviced.
“If any area is hit by floods, they will be mobilised for a rescue and relief mission to help the people immediately.
“We also have volunteers of all races to join us in giving support at a time of crisis,” the MCA president told reporters at an event to hand over aid worth a total of RM99,000 to 14 temples and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here yesterday.
CRSM was formed in 2005, soon after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, to provide immediate assistance in areas hit by natural catastrophes.
Today, it has grown to become one of the supporting units of the National Disaster Management Agency.
There are more than 3,000 CRSM members, who are trained to deal with crises and provide disaster relief throughout the country.
On flood preparation works in his own constituency, Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the relevant agencies and groups were ready to deal with any disaster.
“We have gone through major floods in 2006 and 2007, as well as many other minor ones. I think we have enough experience in managing our flood relief centres,” he added.
After the event, Dr Wee attended a Rahmah Mega Sales programme at a supermarket here, where he spent some time mingling with shoppers.
“As the MP of this area, I am happy to see the Rahmah Sales being held here to ease the people’s burden. I can see that there are many people here enjoying the discounts.
“The response is beyond expectation,” he said, adding that he hoped the programme would be held more often for the sake of the people.
At another event, conducted at the Ayer Hitam MP and Yong Peng assemblyman service centre, Dr Wee handed over aid worth a total of RM480,000 to representatives from 30 groups, which included NGOs, schools and village authorities.
