LETTER | Emergency response training greatly benefits community, authorities

LETTER | The Civil Defence Force of Malaysia recently announced that a total of 1.7 million members of the public have been trained via the Civil Defence Emergency Response Team (CDERT) initiative at the community level.

This figure is encouraging, but it must be intensified, especially in light of the imminent Northeast Monsoon season.

Members of the public who have emergency response knowledge and training will definitely be more prepared to face natural disasters and aid the authorities in disaster management. They may very well act as first responders before the arrival of the authorities.

The establishment of CDERTs, among others, helps equip members of the public with emergency and disaster management training in order for them to provide the necessary first response thus reducing the risk of property damage and the loss of lives.

This element of preparedness towards any untoward incidents or emergencies at the initial stage will lead to an enhanced level of “precaution and preventive measure” in the community.

CDERTs are not something new. It has been established and promoted since 2006 and the Civil Defence Force has always welcomed participation from not only members of the public but from the private sector.

In essence, CDERTs are divided into four categories namely CDERT-G (government sector), CDERT-P (private sector), CDERT-N (non-government organisation) and CDERT-C (community). The categories are self-explanatory.

Natural disasters are unpredictable. It is something out of our control. The nation is only just recovering from the economic wounds left behind by the Covid-19 pandemic. We must and should assist the authorities in our own humble way and that includes volunteering sincerely without expecting anything in return.

Please do not misunderstand me. I am not only carrying a flag for the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, but for all uniformed personnel and frontliners, be they past, present or future, who have served Malaysia tirelessly and sincerely. You are truly Malaysia’s finest.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.