PENANG has one of the largest Civil Defence Emergency Response Team (CDERT) squads in the state.
Civil Defence Force (APM) chief commissioner Datuk Roslan Wahab said the state has 51 CDERT units out of 155 CDERT units nationwide.
“The demand for these emergency response teams is higher due to its efficiency in handling disasters and emergencies.
“The application to form CDERT in Penang is growing and that’s why the state has 51 units here.
“We hope the local community can also come forward to join these CDERT units.
“When any mishap occurs, these teams will be there to provide assistance before other relevant agencies such as the police and Fire Rescue Department personnel arrive,” he said in his speech during the launching of a new Semarak Api MPKK CDERT office in Desa Intan, Bandar Baru Air Itam today.
This office is the first to be set up in the Paya Terubong state constituency.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to officiate the ceremony, was glad with the establishment and hoped that more local community would join the fray.
“These CDERT squads will provide quicker assistance from response teams in any eventuality.
“It’s important to rope in the community to assist. They can also be the ‘frontliners’ and help out in any emergency before other agencies come in.
“The team members can also play a pivotal role in helping the community.
“Therefore, the state applauds CDERT units that are established,” he said.
Chow expressed hopes that CDERT would be expanded to other constituencies as well.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin, who is also the state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, said cooperation between the community and authorities was important.
“In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many charitable activities have been held with Paya Terubong CDERT helping to give out food and face masks.
“Thumbs up CDERT!” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi