Call For Civil Defense To Oversee Disaster Management
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - The recent tsunami disaster that struck 11 nations in Asia and Africa has illustrated to us the importance of having a proper and qualified team to cope with major emergencies.

A retired government officer, Hj Mohd Zaide bin Hj Damit, said major emergencies as such can create an impact on the people, environment and economy, in addition, it can also have local, national and international dimensions.

In light of this, he has suggested the formation of a Civil Defence Department concerned with the protection of the citizens of this country against disasters, natural calamities, major incidents or acts of war as well as other nations that need help.

He said the department would promote this essential aspect of emergency preparedness.

"The aims of a Civil Defence Department are entirely humanitarian, seeking to protect the well-being of the public during major emergencies... whatever the cause.

"Membership is open to all who support the need for effective preparedness against the effects of major emergencies and those who can assist in promoting the need for adequate preparedness by all agencies. They may be called upon to provide humanitarian aid during times of local, or national and international crisis, such as the recent massive tidal waves that hit the region," he said.

He added the department would also serve as an international search-and-rescue team to response with international need for its deployment.

He added the teams will response to major international calamities and heavy rescue/ casualty extrication following earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or bombing/missile attacks.

"I believe there are many of us here who wanted to contribute their energy to help the recent tsunami victims but were stopped by their lack of training to cope with such rescue needs.

"Therefore properly trained civil defence department personnel should enable us to dispatch qualified people to carry out often hazardous duties.

"The team will also be responsible for saving lives, including conducting search to find survivors of calamities," lie said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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