THE Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) George Town has launched its first Cycling Response Unit (CRU) to provide swift assistance during an emergency at the narrow roads in the heritage enclave.
Its chairman Ong Swee Jin said that the CRU has a total of eight trained volunteers equipped with medical kits.
“The cycling unit would be able to move around easily in the town area and reach the destination faster to provide first aid in the event of an emergency while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
“We would also like to collaborate with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) cycling patrolling unit to ensure the safety and well-being of the community in this area,” Ong said during the launch of the CRU at the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi today.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who was the guest of honour at the event, applauded CERT George Town for launching the CRU which he said was indeed in tandem with the state goverment’s Penang2030 vision.
“The launch of CRU by CERT George Town shows that the spirit of volunteerism is so evident and relevant here in Penang.
“The presence of these volunteers in the city will instil a sense of confidence among the residents, visitors and tourists with regard to their safety in times of danger, emergency or even a disaster.
“We (state government) are glad that there is tremendous support from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as CERT George Town towards our vision to enhance the livelihoods of our people,” said Chow during his opening speech at the event.
Chow also hoped that NGOs situated in the heritage area would play their part by providing assistance to the CRU by offering their venues to be used for assembling together prior to the patrolling.
“Perhaps, these volunteers can be allowed to use facilities such as the washrooms to refresh themselves while on duty,” he added.
Also present were State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state Tourism and Creative Economy Commitee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, northeast district police chief ACP Soffian Santong, state assemblymen Joseph Ng (Air Itam) and Daniel Gooi (Pengkalan Kota).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting