Pahang sets up first of its kind PST

KUANTAN: Pahang has reinforced its crisis and disaster support services by setting up a Psychological Support Team ( PST).

State secretary Datuk Seri Safian Ismail said 154 counsellors from the Social Welfare Department and agencies such as Education Department, State Secretary Psychology Unit, Royal Malaysian Police and Prison Department have registered as members of the PST.

“We expect the number of PST members to increase by the end of the year as Pahang needs about 1,000 counsellors in times of disaster in the state such as floods.

“They will be stationed at evacuation centres on instructions issued by the Social Welfare Department,” he told reporters after launching the Pahang PST here yesterday.

He said PST was the first initiative of its kind in the country and hoped it would be an example to other states in diversifying ways by which to help the society during a disaster.

Safian also applauded the willingness of some university and college students in the state to become PST members and hoped more youths would join the team.

“This is in line with the concept of culturalising counselling which is being ingrained particularly in the young generation who have the ability to contribute their energy and fresh ideas.

“Our own spirit of volunteerism must also expand,” he said. — Bernama