PSYCH HELP FOR PAHANG FLOOD VICTIMS
Volunteers must be ready for anything, says state secretary
THE Pahang government is seeking 1,000 volunteers to be part of a Psychological Support Team (PST) that provides counselling to flood victims.
State Secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Safian Ismail said PST was part of the critical vanguard — comprising firemen, police and the army — to tackle floods forecasted towards the year-end.
He advised PST volunteers to have patience to handle any eventuality when helping evacuees at flood shelters managed by the Welfare Department.
“At flood relief centres, PST volunteers will meet people from all walks of life.
“This may present challenges to volunteers, despite the department having provided aid, such as blankets and food.
“From my experience in dealing with major floods, the management of victims from urban areas is more difficult compared with those from villages, as urban evacuees expect hotel-level comfort.
“It is different than flood victims from villages or rural areas, as they prioritise food and a bit of comfort,” Safian said at the statelevel PST event at Dewan SUK here.
Present was state Welfare Department director Zulkhairi Zainol Abidin.
At the event, 150 civil servants and students from higher learning institutions registered as PST volunteers.
Zulkhairi said the department welcomed those interested in becoming PST volunteers.
“Counselling and psychological services provided by PST volunteers can curb issues (related to flooding) when floods occur in the state.”