STRIKE: Dahim strikes the gong to officiate at the MRC Youth Leadership Course. Others (from right) are Manggie Nyengan, Jack Janda and Dr Sia.
KAPIT: Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot said Kapit needs capable leaders to organise and manage disaster relief work in the event of natural calamity or disaster.
“Kapit, like elsewhere, also faces risk of natural calamity and disaster, especially landslide, flood, fire and boat accidents. Landslide is common occurrence due to the hilly terrain,” he said.
Dahim said when disaster strikes, it requires NGOs like Malaysian Red Crescent, Lions Club and other voluntary organisations to be mobilised while government agencies like Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department will conduct search and rescue and investigation into the incident.
“We need people of quality leadership who can organise rescue and evacuation work during an emergency,” he said.
He cautioned that according to the weather forecast, Kapit is likely to face torrential rain over extended periods. People residing on hill slopes and river banks must be prepared for the worst, possibly landslides or flooding.
He disclosed yesterday Bakun Dam HEP in Belaga had already reached 217 metres. The operation of the turbines requires only 198 metres of water.
Dahim said this at the Youth Leadership Course at Meligai Hotel yesterday.
“Youth leadership training is important to create awareness among youth. The participants are lucky to be chosen to attend the course, as quality leadership is an important aspect in life. Armed with good leadership quality, you’re a step higher compared to others. Knowledge can be learnt from books but leadership is acquired through training and experiences. Over the next two days, facilitators will stress on the various aspects of youth leadership involved in voluntary services,” he said.
Some of those present were organising chairman Ayong Adam, vice-chairman of MRC Kapit chapter Kapitan Micky Ngu Kong Siong, assistant secretary Serani Eli, treasurer Ling Thian Ing, nursing superintendent Evelyn Biju, publicity officer James Ling and sub-chairman fund Ma Tian Ho and committee members Moonly Tiang and Anthony Jalin.
Youth and Sports Officer Jack Janda, assistant youth officers Roger Levoh and Jojo Teha, principal of SMK Kapit, Manggie Nyengeng and SMK Kapit 2, Jegelah @ Douglas and Rela officer Anthony Lugek were also present.
Malaysian Red Crescent Kapit chapter organised the two-day course for its youth members.
“This ‘Youth Leadership Course’ is financed by Youth and Sports Department and organised by MRC Kapit Society. About 100 MRC youths from various schools here; SMK Song, SMK Katibas, SMK Kap it 2, SMK Kapit, SMK Selirik, SMK Baleh, SMK Belaga and SMK Bakun are attending the course,” said MRC Kapit chairman Dr Sia Tih Kong.