October–December 2023
1. Inter-NGO Collaboration in Johor
CREST sent a team to stand with NECF and JB Crisis Relief Network in collaborating with other NGOs in planning for disaster response in Malaysia. Participants shared their experiences with the Johor floods early 2023. Discussions are important for future contingency planning and better preparedness. Significant lessons in the past Johor floods were learnt and this will stand us in better stead for future responses.
2. Disaster Preparedness Sharing with Boys’ Brigade 8th Petaling Jaya Company
The team was invited by the Boys’ Brigade at Pantai Baptist Church to share about disaster preparedness. We were impressed by the discipline and the eager minds who queried us about our role in disaster response. Indeed, the pillars of BB to instil discipline, obedience, reverence, and self-respect amongst believers resonate with CREST's guiding principles in our own organisation. We look forward to cooperating with BB to advance His Kingdom in future crisis work.
3. Engagement with Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM)
CREST has always acknowledged the importance of working with the government in all disaster responses. The government is an important, if not the most crucial stakeholder, in providing durable solutions and infrastructure to the communities affected by disasters.
CREST, Kelantan Disaster Relief Network and 7979 had the most enriching engagement with Dato Aminurrahim bin Mohamed Chief Commissioner Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia. We look forward to this meaningful collaboration with APM and other NGOs in managing disasters in this country.
4. Flood response in Kelantan
Disaster sciences is a multidisciplinary study of the outcomes after catastrophic events in a natural or anthropogenic environment. Yet these sciences must be applied among the communities prudently on a case-to-case basis. No textbook or learned person can judiciously apply a one-size-fits-all solution.
CREST countered this situation twice in our response in Kelantan this December. With the evacuation centres winding down now, only 9837 displaced kept in 27 evacuation centres.
After our assessments, we distributed antiseptics for multi-surface hygiene purposes in evacuation centres and schools and trained villagers in water pressure jet sets. Our efforts might be small, but the friendship built with local villagers and the staff at Angkatan Pertahanan Awam were immeasurable.
In essence, the practice of disaster management is people centric. It is a living skill, and the aim is to bring relief to the affected and standing with the people in Kelantan in their challenging moments. If this measure was used to judge our response, then our objectives were achieved.
Finally, we appreciate the efforts of the local tok penghulus, APM staff and volunteers and the villagers themselves for working tirelessly towards such a speedy recovery from this catastrophe. May the new year usher more meaningful partnerships in the disaster field for CREST.
Follow and ‘like’ our Facebook Page for the most recent activities.
CRISIS RELIEF SERVICES & TRAINING BERHAD (Co. No. 199801017686 | 473815-A)
(A Public Company Limited by Guarantee)
8, Jalan PJU 5/20C, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +6019-328-7299 Email: crest@crestmalaysia.org
Website: www.crestmalaysia.org Facebook Page: crestmalaysiaorg
|
Comments