KUCHING: Programmes that involve the community should be encouraged
as they offer many benefits to the organiser, the immediate community
and the public at large.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr George Chan pointed out this
was especially so with programmes such as those which teaches the public
the essential knowledge of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
First aid and CPR knowledge were useful skills to have at the best and
the worst of times, he said yesterday.
"At the best of times, they are skills that enhance our capacity
to help others when in need," he said when officiating at the launching
of the Partners in Humanity programme at the State Library here.
"At the worst of times, these skills can help to assist during accidents,
reduce pain and perhaps save lives," he added. Most of all, he said
the independence and therefore any programme aimed at upgrading the knowledge
of the people was welcome.
Dr Chan also said the State government was pleased at Tahan Insurance
(M) Bhd had heeded its call for the development of a knowledgeable society,
one that understood and appreciated the importance of community needs.
"It is only within a knowledgeable society that community programmes
can be carried out with maximum results and everyone can share the benefits,"
he said.
On the programme, Dr Chan said it was one of the latest significant efforts
and contributions to the community, where the people worked with leading
companies to enhance the knowledge and skills of the people.
The programme is collaboration between Tahan and the Malaysian Red Crescent
Society (MRCS) to train people with first aid and CPR skills, whereby
the funding is given by the company for MRCS to provide the training.
It is also to help MRCS achieve its target of having five million trained
first aid practitioners or one in every household in Malaysia by 2010.
Earlier, Tahan chairman Dato Annuar Senawi said so far 90 employees,
agents and policyholders had been trained under the programme.
"This means that there are 90 more trained first aid practitioners
that can offer invaluable assistance during emergencies," he said,
adding that it was heartening to note that the undertaking by the company
was beginning to bear fruits.
"This in turn will benefit the broader community as more trained
volunteers will be available to assist at accidents and scenes of natural
disasters," he added.
Later, Dr Chan presented certificates to 30 participants, who were the
first batch of local trainees to complete the MRCS first aid course.
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