MELAKA: Associate officers of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) must be prepared to serve the state, particularly during disasters and ensure the safety of tourists visiting this historic state, said Associate Kol (PA) Mike Thien.
The Chairman of the Melaka APM Associate Corporate Officers said that inactive members who fail to contribute meaningfully to society would risk being removed from their positions.
“We aim to gather ideas, expertise and knowledge from professionals to strengthen the agency’s role in helping the community and tourists to our state.
"APM is not a platform for individuals seeking prestige or to flaunt their positions" he said during a celebration of the Jade Emperor’s birthday, or Thnee Kong in Hokkien, at his home in Tanjung Minyak on Wed (Feb 5).
The Jade Emperor is a significant deity in Chinese mythology, and the Hokkien community, including the Peranakan Chinese, celebrates his birthday on the ninth day of the Chinese New Year.
The celebration was also attended by three superbikers from Germany and France who were in Melaka as tourists.
Thien said he plans to establish a structured and well-managed pool of APM corporate officers ready to serve the community.
"The acceptance of individuals into APM is only for those keen to contribute to society, especially during disasters," he said.
Thien, who also offers boat navigation courses for APM volunteers, said his wish to see his team's commitment to strengthening the agency’s role in disaster response and community support while ensuring Melaka remains a safe and attractive destination for visitors.
He said the navigation course was aimed to improve the volunteers' water boating skills as well as to develop individual awareness and commitment to safe navigation when in a flood situation.
"We currently have 12 boats donated by various individuals and organisations including China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia and Bank of China," he said.
Separately, Thien said he hosted German and French tourists to experience the unique cultural celebrations of the Jade Emperor's birthday.
He said the tourists shared plans to propose a roll-on roll-off ferry service between Melaka and Indonesian destinations, such as Tanjung Rupat or Dumai.
He said the suggestion brought forward by German tourists Ken Lichtner, 40 and Alexander Okl, 37, from Germany as well as 29-year-old Alexandre Petit from France will be presented to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
“This ferry service could become a major attraction for tourists travelling overland from Europe to South-East Asia countries,” he added.
