Spotlighting the role of Malaysian Civil Defence Force

WORLD Civil Defence Day (WCDD) is celebrated on March 1. Declared as a global event by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) in 1990, it honours the significance of organising and training civilians to protect lives, property and infrastructure from military attacks, natural disasters or emergencies.

The theme this year, “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”, resonates deeply with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (MCDF), a government agency under the Prime Minister’s Department.

MCDF was established on March 24, 1952 and is dedicated to disaster management, humanitarian aid and rescue operations. It was officially accepted as a permanent member of the ICDO on June 6, 2010.

Operating under the Civil Defence Force Act 1951, it also has a specialised disaster and emergency response team called Civil Defence Special Force, which focuses on search and rescue operations.

In a Facebook post to commemorate WCDD, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted the deep national significance of the dedication and sacrifices made by civil defence personnel in safeguarding public safety and welfare.

“They respond with full dedication, working hand in hand with other rescue agencies to extend assistance and ensure victims are kept safe,” he said.

He also said the government would beef up training and preparedness of MCDF personnel in line with efforts to build a more resilient Malaysia in facing the challenges of climate change and increasingly complex disaster risks.

This statement is most welcomed, as my brothers and sisters in the force are always among the first alongside other uniformed personnel to respond to emergencies, carrying the banner of “service before self”.

Equipping MCDF personnel with additional knowledge, both practical and theoretical, will go a long way in protecting them while they safeguard the lives of others.

But it hurts me that the public are generally oblivious to the existence of the MCDF, which is now close to 75 years old. Some even make cheap jibes about the force.

In light of World Civil Defence Day, I urge all to respect, honour and appreciate the sacrifices of MCDF personnel who are tirelessly and selflessly giving their all in service to the nation.

YEAP MING LIONG

Associate captain

Malaysian Civil Defence Force