Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Red Crescent (BSMM) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sabah can help the government address the needs of the people in Sabah.
“The tight collaboration between the two institutions and government bodies gives various benefits to society,” said State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib.
James who is also Sugut Assemblyman said this at the breaking of fast ceremony hosted by the BSMM and ICRC at Le Meridien Hotel, Wednesday.
He was pleased to learn that Sabah BSMM is collaborating closely with the Ministry’s agencies and departments, particularly on welfare programmes.
“I am informed that the Sabah BSMM and the General Welfare Services Department have been assisting the Sabah Community Services Council (MPMS) in monitoring and providing first aid assistance to trainees of street vagrants being sheltered at the vagrant isolation centre for foreigners since February of this year.
“I am certain that the BSMM and the ICRC will be able to support the government in satisfying the people’s needs in Sabah for many years to come,” he said.
Since the ICRC’s inception in Sabah in 2013, various collaboration and technical assistance between the two entities have been implemented.
“They have held several training series, such as Training of Trainers (ToT) for health and hygiene and Core Team Workshop, to prepare the volunteers involved in carrying out the programme.
“The BSMM and the ICRC have formed a core team for the Sabah BSMM to carry out the village first-aid programme as well as the Health and Hygiene Program for children and adults.
“I hope this programme can assist vulnerable groups in need as a supplement to the government’s current activities,” he said.
Such efforts and initiatives, he believes, can boost the competence and expertise of volunteers in Sabah.
He is especially pleased of BSMM’s accomplishments in partnership with the Ministry of Health, such as blood donation programmes, food basket distribution, vaccination programmes, and ambulance services.
He also praised BSMM and the ICRC for their perseverance in the face of adversity in carrying out humanitarian work and assisting the people.
“Building public trust is a difficult endeavour, but we believe that the work of the BSMM and the ICRC will make them a force to be reckoned with.
“The government will always provide full support to the BSMM and ICRC programmes that serve the people of Sabah,” he said.
He said with the efforts of the BSMM and the ICRC, unity and cooperation may be strengthened for future joint growth.
