SIBU: Volunteering efforts carried out by organisations such as the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) are an important complement to government initiatives in building a healthier, safer and more resilient society.
In stating this Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the voluntary work of the MRCS directly strengthens the healthcare system because it starts with the knowledge and preparedness of the community itself.
“We are committed to supporting organisations like yours, because we know that when we empower you, we empower the entire community,” he said in a speech read by Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie during the World First Aid Day 2025 celebration here on Sunday.
Tiang explained that World First Aid Day is not just a date on the calendar, but rather it is more meaningful because it celebrates the power of a simple but extraordinary act of helping someone in the most critical moment.
He said that first aid knowledge can save lives, calm panicked children and give confidence to neighbours in distress.
“This is not just a medical skill. This is the true foundation of a caring community, and Red Crescent volunteers are the driving force behind building that foundation,” he stressed.
He said it was important to learn these skills and shoulder the responsibility of being the first link in the chain of life when a crisis occurs.
“Your contributions are priceless, and our community owes you a debt of gratitude that cannot be fully repaid,” he asserted.
Tiang said this year’s celebration theme of ‘We Make A Difference’ was quite apt because the role of MRCS volunteers is not measured through grand ceremonies, but through important moments in everyday life.
“The moment someone is saved because someone knows how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the moment a serious injury is stabilised because someone knows how to stop the bleeding, and the moment a family is saved from tragedy because there are trained volunteers there,” he explained.
In this regard, he stressed that the government always recognises the role of organisations like MRCS because it is clear proof that the strongest health system does not only have to do with hospitals, but also on the knowledge and readiness of the people themselves.
“On this World First Aid Day, let us pledge again to learn these skills, encourage family and friends to also get training, and support the volunteers who have sacrificed so much for our community,” added Tiang.
Among those preset were MRCS Sibu Branch’s Chairman, Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee, and MRCS Sibu Branch’s Honorary Adviser, Datuk Lau Ngie Hua.
