Segamat.com

Thursday May 13, 2010
BY FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU: For Mohd Noor Arif, his most memorable moment in his 24 years as a Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) member was providing emergency aid in Segamat during the major flood four years ago. The 41-year-old vice-chairman of MRCS Segamat branch said that rescuing stranded people during the floods was challenging given the different locations and terrain.

“It was even more challenging when some people refused to leave their houses even though the buildings were already submerged in water. “Even though I had numerous other locations on the schedule, I had to stay and persuade them until they were willing to come with us,” he said, adding that he worked with other MRCS members and uniform bodies travelling in boats.

His fellow MRCS member Tan Pang Kwang, 71, who has been with the society for more than 50 years, said that he was proud to be a part of an organisation that was the first response team in an emergency. “We are here to provide assistance to the public, especially in first aid. “We also conduct training in first aid for the public, including students,” he said.

As for 60-year-old Chua Liak Ching, being in MRCS had helped to enrich his life with life-saving skills. “I have been a member for 41 years and they are filled with happy memories. “The camaraderie shared between members is a lasting bond,” he said.

The three men were among 38 members honoured with the long-service medals presented by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman at the World Red Crescent Day celebration recently. In his speech, Abdul Ghani thanked all the members for their selfless contribution to society. “MRCS plays a vital part in serving the community, among which is ensuring sufficient supply of blood in the local blood bank through various blood donation campaigns. The society’s service is never forgotten by the state government and the people,” he said.