APM training grooms Kolej Komuniti students into disaster-ready volunteers
BAU: Forty- eight Kolej Komuniti students from all over Sarawak now have better knowledge in civilian search-rescue and disaster operations – thanks to a programme run by the government.
The four- day ‘ Civil Defence Force (APM) and Community Colleges Search-Rescue Training’ at the Borneo Tribal Village near here, which concluded yesterday, was a collaboration between APM Sarawak and Polytechnic Education and Community College Department.
“As we all know, Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia. What we can be sure of is that the distance, positioning and the networking of roads have uplifted the economic system and technology, and they are generally cohesive and efficient – sometimes, though, we do face some disasters.
“Therefore, students like you can become the backbone in solving such crisis, by becoming volunteers. You can be the backup to other existing units that run the search-rescue missions,” APM Sarawak deputy director Lt- Col (PA) Cuthbert John Martin Quadra spoke during the closing ceremony of the training programme.
According to him, there are various kinds of disasters in Sarawak – they include floods, landslides, storms and droughts.
“As we all know, a year ago Sarawak experienced floods that affected many victims who had to move to higher grounds or temporary shelters.
“It is during such period that we need volunteers to assist the search-rescue operations. The state government would undertake the role of opening up temporary shelters for the victims, but the preparedness by members of the public could reduce the risk of losing lives and properties to disasters,” he said.
The trainees were taught various skills throughout the four days including firefighting, search-rescue operations, first-aid and disaster management.
“I believe that such training would produce trainees who are competent, professional and ready to serve with efficiency during times of disasters,” said Cuthbert.
Meanwhile, Kolej Komuniti Mas Gading director Nor Dalila Abd Rahman said the series of training provided by APM Sarawak and the department were meant to provide community college students with the basic skills and knowledge in areas related to search- rescue and disaster management, so that they would be more confident and competent towards enhancing their skills to the highest level.
“The expertise and skills serve to ensure their preparedness whenever disasters strike, and that they would be able to solve the problems efficiently,” she said.
The trainees are students from Kolej Komuniti campuses in Kuching, Santubong, Mas Gading, Sarikei, Betong and Miri.