DESPITE having participated in humanitarian efforts during the devastating 2004 tsunami in Penang, flash floods, and landslides, Lt Kol Bersekutu (PA) Felix Chuah still views the Covid-19 pandemic as the most challenging period of his years of community service.
Chuah, 71, who is currently serving as the Malaysia Civil Service Force (APM)(Penang) associate officers association deputy president, said most disasters or tragedies could be handled within a short period.
“On the other hand, Covid-19 was totally a new thing for any of us.
“Hence, when Malaysia (or Penang in particular) was hit by Covid-19, many people felt lost, anxious, helpless, and so on.
“As a frontliner, we must be tougher when the situation gets tough.
“I still remembered that a few of us (volunteers) were on the contact persons list during the start of the pandemic. About 10 of us which included volunteers from the St John Ambulance, Malaysian Red Crescent Society, and the APM were on that list.
“We shared our contacts with as many people as possible so they can seek help if they need us. Back then, we received non-stop calls from the public, even at odd hours of the night.
“Many organisations and kind givers were extending their help individually as there was no specific platform for them to ride on back then,” he told Buletin Mutiara recently.
Chuah said in the earlier part of the pandemic period, he helped in monitoring and updating the distribution of aid; as well as took part in food and hand sanitiser distribution activities.
“Our association (Penang APM associate officers association) raised funds to provide daily lunch and dinner for some 200 residents in Relau who were on lockdown back then. We supplied the meals for 42 days.
“We are thankful for the support of philanthropist Datuk Seri Goh Eng Hoe who relentlessly offered his help during those trying times,” he said.
Besides providing his services in the Penang APM, Chuah is also the Penang Care Society food and essential aid task force chairman and a life member of the Lions Club International.
He received the ❤️ Penang Community Awards from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow recently for his selfless service to the community.
Cheah had also served in Scouts, St John Ambulance and the Police Volunteer Reserve.
“The desire to help those in need would overcome my fear,” he replied when asked about his feelings as a frontliner.
“As frontliners, we are tested most of the time. We are exposed to all kinds of risks when we take part in rescue missions, or as frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have to step up when the situations are tough and challenging. This is part and parcel of being a frontliner,” Chuah, who is also a businessman, said.
Sharing his secret, Chuah said he would walk 10,000 steps every morning to stay fit and healthy.
“Walking helps to maintain my stamina and keeps me healthy,” he added.
Asked about his motto to live by, Chuah said: “Try to help others whenever you can.”
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En