SUNGAI Pinang residents can now expect quicker assistance from emergency response team in the event of a natural disaster.
This comes following the launch of Sungai Pinang’s first ever Civil Defence Emergency Response Team (CDERT) unit.
Penang Civil Defence Department (JPAM) acting director Mohd Huzaimi Raup said a total of 13 people from the constituency have completed the 16-hour requirement training.
He said those went through the theoretical and practical training were well-trained and equipped with proper skills to assist in the event of floods, fire and any calamities.
He said establishing CDERT was a good initiative as the team, made up of locals from the community, would be the first to act before JPAM arrives.
“Having local residents act first would be much better as they would not have to be fully dependent on the department to act.
“They know what to do when an unfortunate incident happens while JPAM acts as a coordinator.
“Thumbs up to Sungai Pinang for having its first CDERT team,” he told reporters after presenting certificates to the 13 people at Solok Sungai Pinang on Sept 11.
There are 50 CDERT teams in the state since its inception a few years ago.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim also lauded the formation of the team to assist JPAM.
She said these locals would know what to do whenever a flood happens, adding that they could guide the residents to a safety place.
“We are also planning to open up to interested participants to join in the near future,” said Lim, adding that the registration is free.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee