THE establishment of the Civil Defence Emergency Response Team (CDERT) operation centre in the Air Itam neighbourhood is timely, especially during the current monsoon transition period, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow, who was present to officiate the opening of the centre at Desa Mawar in Air Itam, said the centre would prepare for any eventualities that may arise.
“After the massive flash floods that struck Penang in November 2017, the state government has formed a Disaster Unit to monitor the situation.
“We welcome CDERT’s initiative to assist the community in the event of an emergency as they will be the first squad to be deployed to the scene before any other authorities are roped in,” he said in his speech before launching the CDERT Air Itam’s operation centre.
Chow praised the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) for supporting CDERT in the state.
“CDERT is an important institution as its role as a ‘first responder’ is lauded when an emergency occurs,” he said.
Chow also urged the public to be cautious and alert as heavy rainfall is expected in October and November.
“We need to monitor the situation,” he said, adding that community involvement was important to manage any disasters.
Chow said he was also proud that three CDERTs in the state had been recognised by APM for their contributions.
Sungai Pinang CDERT tops the list of achievements, followed by Semarak Api CDERT and Paya Terubong CDERT.
APM Penang director Kol Ishak Md Radzi lauded CDERTs in Penang for their role and help to the community.
“When the Covid-19 pandemic took place, the CDERT team in each constituency went out to advise the residents to receive vaccine jabs.
“Assistance can be immediately rendered to the neighbourhood if any untoward events take place,” he said.
Ishak pointed out that CDERT had trained and equipped 1,155 people in the state with ‘first responder’ skills.
“From the forecast by the Meteorological Department, heavy rainfall between 290mm and 490mm is expected this month, followed by 190 to 290mm next month.
“Hence, our operation centres have been activated since September this year to be prepared,” he added.
Radzi said 11,368 emergency cases consisting of accidents, illnesses at home, fallen trees and others had been received.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, who was also present at the ceremony, commended CDERT volunteers for their services to the community.
Among those present were Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and CDERT Air Itam chairman King Kia Hor.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian