Track record: An exhibition of the rescue and relief work involving CRSM volunteers held in conjunction with the squad’s 20th anniversary celebration. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: What began as a small volunteer initiative two decades ago, the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) has now grown into a nationwide disaster relief network, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the squad continues to play a front-line role during floods, emergencies and major national crises.
He said CRSM’s volunteers have earned public trust through years of consistent on-the-ground work, from monsoon floods in Johor and Kelantan to the East Coast disaster in 2014, and even the harrowing early days of the MH370 tragedy at KLIA.
“CRSM has upheld MCA’s name with dignity. Where there is disaster, our volunteers are always there,” he said during CRSM’s 20th anniversary celebration here yesterday.
Dr Wee also noted CRSM’s early contribution to international disaster aid, including raising RM650,000 for victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China, and its recognition as a reliable partner by national disaster agencies and international counterparts.
“No other political party has a volunteer corps like ours, one that is trained by government agencies and accepted as part of the front-line operations,” he said while acknowledging the sacrifices and resilience shown by squad members.
Dr Wee thanked former and current CRSM leaders for building the squad “step by step”.
He also paid tribute to national chief Datuk Natalie Lim Chong Ly for strengthening the squad over the past seven years.
Public service: Hussain (centre) officiating CRSM’s 20th anniversary celebration together with Lim (second from left). Looking on are Dr Wee (second from right), MCA vice-president Datuk Lim Ban Hong (right) and treasurer-general Tan Tuan Peng. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
Also present was National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) deputy director-general for post-disaster management Hussain Moh, who officiated the anniversary celebration.
Hussain commended CRSM for two decades of “courage, resilience and sincerity”.
“The squad had proven itself as an inclusive, professional and non-partisan partner in national disaster response,” he said.
He noted that CRSM had played key roles in major incidents, from the 2007-2008 floods and the 2014 “bah kuning” massive floods in Kelantan to the MH370 operations and post-disaster recovery efforts nationwide.
He added that CRSM’s contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic were “significant and deeply valued”.
Hussain also highlighted the need for more young Malaysians to step forward as volunteer responders.
“Disaster management today is far more challenging than it was 20 years ago.
“We need young blood, new skills and fresh energy to strengthen the nation’s preparedness,” he said while praising CRSM’s readiness and its continuous training with SMART, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Civil Defence Force.
In her speech, Lim said the next phase of CRSM’s growth must focus on professionalising its rescue and emergency response capabilities, especially as disasters become more unpredictable.
She said the pandemic was among the biggest challenges the squad had ever faced, requiring the mobilisation of nationwide resources while ensuring volunteers had proper personal protective equipment, medical guidance and safety protocols.
“Covid-19 showed us that our role is becoming more complex and demanding.
“Proper training, equipment and technical knowledge are no longer optional. They are necessary,” she said.
Lim also noted the rise of minor tremors in the Borneo states and Peninsular Malaysia in recent years, saying that CRSM must be prepared to respond should a major earthquake occurs.
To strengthen the squad, CRSM has been working closely with Nadma, the National Disaster Command Centre and SMART, which has conducted customised disaster-response training for its volunteers.
Lim also said the team attended training overseas with international counterparts, including adopting new technologies, advanced equipment and integrated systems to boost efficiency.
“Professionalising CRSM is our top priority,” she said while urging more youths, skilled professionals and corporate partners to support the squad’s growth.
