THE Lions Club of Penang Hillview had raised RM130,000 to purchase an incident support unit (ISU) for the use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) George Town.
It is to minimise disruption to road users by providing a safe and timely response to incidents and quicker clearance of blocked lanes.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the presentation of the ISU at the Lee Sih Chong Soo association in Burma Road today, congratulated the Lions Club for single-handedly raising the amount needed to purchase the vehicle.
“I understand the idea of donating this vehicle came after members from the Lions Club of Penang Hillview went on a humanitarian mission to help out during the Pahang floods last year.
“They realised some limitations after the mission and thought such a unit would be most helpful in the event of any type of emergency, especially deploying victims from dangerous to safer zone.
“I was told the main element of this ISU unit is indicated by the displayed logo.
“This unit will surely be of great help for the CERT George Town when they go on the field to assist and offer recoveries for affected victims or even lending a hand during major events, particularly those that involve road users,” Chow said in his speech before launching the presentation of the ISU unit today.
In a related development, Chow reiterated his gratefulness towards all the active non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have willingly collaborated with the state to provide assistance to the needy.
“This was clearly shown in the last two years when many voluntary bodies came forward with their contributions.
“I was also personally involved and had officiated many programmes, namely the distribution of food baskets, daily necessities and laptops to needy families in order for their kids to continue studying while under lockdown back then,” he added.
Chow also thanked NGOs and friends from the private sector for donating face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and other relevant materials for the use of medical frontliners.
Also, during the event, Chow and his delegation were briefed on the Kore Kooler Rehab Chair, which the CERT George Town will be using if needed when operating the ISU unit.
“This chair is designed to help firefighters achieve faster recovery from heat by rapid cooling.
“It immerses the firefighter’s arm in cold water and this will help lower their body temperatures,” Chow added.
It was learnt that the Kore Kooler Rehab Chair is currently being used in Singapore, Hong Kong, USA and Australia.
CERT George Town chairman Ong Seee Jin said his team will be the first in Penang to deploy this technology.
Also present during the event was state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting