SIBU: Reflecting on 2025, it has been a successful and eventful year for the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu Branch.
Branch chairman, Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee, assured that the branch will continue to serve the community through first aid training, Fun First Aid programmes for beginners, disaster management initiatives, blood donation drives, ambulance and first aid services, and many other humanitarian activities.
“These efforts reaffirm our commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting the values of humanity, neutrality and voluntary service,” he said at the branch’s annual general meeting (AGM) held at its premises in Jalan Awang Ramli Amit here last Sunday (March 15).
Chua also placed special emphasis on the importance of the volunteers, Junior and Cadet members in schools, and all those who have chosen to serve under the Red Crescent banner.
Being part of a worldwide humanitarian movement, he pointed out that each one of them represents the spirit and strength of this global organisation.
However, due to humility and modesty, he said many of the members tend to downplay their own importance.
“Let me say clearly today: our members are our greatest asset. Without you, the Red Crescent cannot function, cannot grow, and cannot serve effectively. We cannot stand still or be satisfied with past achievements,” Chua added.
“Complacency is our enemy. Innovation and creativity are the forces that energise our members. They lead to more efficient and effective services and make our organisation attractive to potential new members, especially the younger generation.”
He cited that the power of Red Crescent members acting together far outweighs what any one of them can accomplish individually.
Stressing that unity multiplies strength, he said in the year ahead, they should celebrate their unity and capitalise on it to strengthen harmony within the Sibu branch.
According to Chua, one of the major challenges is to strengthen and modernise the Red Crescent brand in Sibu, so that it resonates with the new generation.
“We must plan today to meet tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring that our organisation remains relevant, dynamic and impactful.
“To our VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment), Junior and Cadet members, you are not only the future of the Red Crescent – you are the Red Crescent of today. Your enthusiasm, courage, and compassion give life to our mission.
“Through your service, you learn leadership, discipline, teamwork and the true meaning of humanity. We encourage you to be bold, to be creative, and to be innovative,” he reiterated.
“Carry the Red Crescent spirit proudly in your hearts and actions, and become the leaders, lifesavers, and humanitarians of tomorrow. Together, you will shape a kinder, safer, and more compassionate world.”
Guided by the seven fundamental principles of Red Cross or Red Crescent, namely ‘Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality’, he urged all members to continue serving without borders and without hesitation.
“Where there is suffering, there must be compassion; where there is need, there must be action; and where there is humanity, there will always be the Red Crescent,” Chua said.
“Let us move forward together with renewed determination, unity and compassion, to serve humanity and uphold the proud legacy of the Malaysian Red Crescent.”
