CERT programme aims to bring big impact to rural folk

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Ting (fourth left) joins (from left) James, Collin, Khirudin and Wagner in a photo-call.

SIBU: The establishment of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is meant to bring a huge impact to the rural areas, says Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting.

Adding on, he believes that the villagers, who are taking part as the CERT members, can act as ‘the eyes and the ears’ of the authorities to solve ground issues.

“The programme can also strengthen the rapport between the leaders, the residents and the government. CERT was established to enhance the awareness of emergency readiness for (the villagers’) own safety during and immediately after an incident,” Ting said in officiating at the launch of CERT for Sibu District at the civic centre here yesterday.

The event was conducted by the Sarawak State Security and Enforcement Unit under the Chief Minister’s Department, in collaboration with Sibu District Office.

Ting added: “With the establishment of CERT, the local community shall act as the first respondent to minimise the occurrence of detrimental effects of technological hazards or environmental emergencies.

“CERT is able to develop sense of coordinated preparedness among the local industry, authorities and community in a more systematic way.”

According to Ting, CERT represents a well-trained team equipped with adequate knowledge to mitigate and identify the evacuation, and to give first-aid to victims before the arrival of professional emergency professionals namely police, Fire and Rescue Department, Welfare Department, Resident’s Office, District Office and other relevant authorities.

Sarawak State Security and Enforcement Unit director’s representative Wagner Lisa Libut, Fire and Rescue Department Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman, Sibu District Officer Suhaili Mohamed, Sibu deputy police chief Collin Babat, Petronas Sarawak general manager’s representative Ekni Raduan and Pemanca James Semilan were also present at the event.