Kijan (left) presenting a souvenir (handmade woven basket containing Bario rice, pineapple, Bario salt and tree bark) to Yusoff while by his wife (right) and others look on.
MIRI: Some 130 villagers attended a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programme organised by the State Security Unit (UKN) in Bario Asal longhouse recently.
Speaking at the closing of the programme, UKN director Datu Dr Yusoff Nook praised the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Kijan Toynbee for organising the event.
“Safety is an important matter and we are thankful to her (Kijan) for organising a programme that raises awareness on the importance of knowing how to response to emergency situations,” he said, adding that it was the first time such programme was held in Bario.
The CERT programme trained participants to give immediate first critical help to victims of any emergencies.
Speakers at the programme were from Petronas and the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and among topics covered were giving first aid and on safe practice of the usage of liquefied petroleum gas.
Each of all participants of the programme was given a safety helmet, t-shirt, reflective vest, a bag, a notebook, a pen and a certificate of participation.
Kijan meanwhile said CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that would help to enhance safety for the rural and longhouse folks.
Also present at the function were Dr Yusoff’s wife Datin Siti Rahmah, JPAM director Colonel Mohtar Samat, Penghulu Robertson Bala, Councillor John Tarawe, Bario village chiefs, and community leaders.