PENANG knows it has to be prepared for any disaster, not only just for the floods.
State Health, Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Afif
Bahardin said the bad floods that hit Penang in 2017 and brought the island state to a standstill still evokes memories among Malaysians, particularly among those who were directly affected.
One chilling image that went viral was that of a patient in Penang Hospital in knee-high floodwaters, awaiting further instructions of evacuation.
“We are committed to finding practical and useful solutions in disaster mitigation and preparedness, not just for floods but other potential hazards that can affect the lives of Penangites and thousands of visitors to the country,” Dr Afif said when he officiated the two-day workshop jointly organised by MERCY Malaysia and Penang Hospital held at the Nursing College Lam Wah Ee’s auditorium in Batu Lanchang on April 30.
The workshop conducted at Lam Wah Ee Hospital, which started yesterday, was sponsored by Mah Sing Foundation. Some 80 representatives from the Georgetown Community Response Team (CERT), Malaysian Red Crescent, St John Ambulance, the Fire and Rescue Department and six hospitals in Penang took part.
It was meant to equip healthcare professionals and first responders in Penang with disaster preparedness awareness and skills.
“We believe that preparedness, knowledge and skills are the utmost important aspect for the first responders during a time of crisis.
“This workshop is part of Mah Sing Foundation Community programme, which consists of various programmes that support communities in need and align with Mah Sing Foundation’s community development pillar,” Afif said.
Also present were MERCY Malaysia committee member Hanafi Ramli and Penang Hospital emergency medical department’s Dr Teo Aik Howe and Mah Sing’s (northern region) senior general manager, Lai Kok Soon.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis