I am pleased to present once again the 1997/1998 review on the activities and also the audited accounts 
of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.
 

The year under review saw a fair amount of progress, achievements and certainly a great deal of hard work 
from all the volunteers in the eleven Chapters and the staff that provide the administrative support for 
the various programmes.


The economic downturn has given us causes to rationalise our services in terms of cost effectiveness and 
community  benefits. However , within its resources, the Society will continue to extend its concern to 
other community needs that required social action. Meanwhile, all other services, details of which appear 
in the pages that follow, have continued in much the same manner as in the previous years.


As the Society is still independent of Community Chest, fund raising has to be retained as one of the 
major activities. We have had to intensify our fund raising efforts to ensure the availability of adequate 
financial resources to cover recurrent operating costs. To our fund raisers, regular donors, supporters 
and active volunteers who have made substantial contribution in this area of work, sincere gratitude and 
appreciation is extended. The recession has made the job of fund raising awesome. Nevertheless MRCS 
functions as an auxiliary to the government in striving to alleviate human suffering and other needs of the 
community. Upon these noble ideals, we are confident of the public continuous support to enable our 
Society to face the challenges ahead.


As in past years, our involvement in International service has been noteworthy .  Even at this time of 
economic hardship, the public had generously donated a sum of RM8,523 which was transmitted to the 
International Federation of the Red Crosse & Red Crescent Societies in Geneva in support of their relief 
programmes for the flood victims in China.


The "Volunteers' Recognition Night" was held on 27th June 1998 at the Auditorum of the Majlis Bandaraya 
Kuching Selatan, Jalan Padungan. The Society is specially proud to set aside an evening to honour those 
who have contributed selflessly to the well being and progress of the Society. The commendable 
achievements are exemplified by the numerous number of people having not only some basic training in 
the community first aid but leadership training for the young to become loyal and worthy citizens, 
citizens of sterling character with real sense of duty to the people and country.


May I take this opportunity to thank the organising committees for their hard work in organising this 
magnificent inaugural event - the "Volunteers' Recognition Night".


It is with profound sadness that we mourn the sad demise of the late Yang Bhg. Tan Sri Datuk William 
Tan on 6th December 1998. His demise is not only a loss to the Sarawak Branch but also to the Red 
Crescent Movement as a whole for the commitment and inspiration that he gave for the development and 
progress of the Society when he was the Chairman of the Sarawak Branch. May I on behalf of the 
Sarawak Branch, extend our profound sorrow and sympathy to the family of the late Tan Sri and we pray 
and hope that he will find everlasting peace in the kingdom of God.


The year, under review saw the Branch intensified its effort in Disaster Preparedness as the State had 
been warned of the LaNina Phenomena which may bring about drastic change in weather condition 
affecting our region. We have been fortunate of being spared from major disasters. However, as a 
humanitarian and relief organisation we have the responsibility  of organising disaster preparedness and 
response teams in an effort to mitigate the impact of any disaster situation and must carry out the main 
burden of that responsibility. I am pleased to report that most of the Chapters have geared up their 
efforts and all the necessary preparations have been made. They have also gone out to recruit volunteers 
and undertake training to these volunteers. The Branch will endeavor to provide every assistance and 
ensure the timely, appropriate and effective delivery of relief and assistance following a disaster.


I am pleased to report that the year under review, Cardio Pulmonary  Resuscitation (CPR) and the First 
Aid Training has continued to make remarkable progress.  Our Red Crescent Volunteers, Schools, 
Institutions and the public had responded enthusiastically to our "First Aider In Every Home" programme 
organised by our Society, and hopeful by the year 2005, each family would have at least one trained First 
Aider who can respond to an emergency.  I would like to acknowledge with grateful thanks for the work of 
the First Aid Training Committee in this area of training.


The MRCS Sarawak Branch Inter-Chapter First Aid Competition was held in SMK Jalan Oya, Sibu from 
12-13 May 1998. The competition, was followed by a training course for the youth members. The 
objectives of this are to foster better understanding and relationship among the members and to instill 
self-discipline, mutual co-operation and teamwork through group interaction.


Eight teams comprising of two Voluntary Aid Detachments from Serian and Sibu Chapters, while six youth 
teams from Kuching, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri took part in the First Aid Competition. The 
Resident of Sibu Division, Mr. Patrick Engkasan Digat, who is also the Patron of Sibu Chapter, officiated 
at the opening ceremony.


The training course held from 14-15 May was to update the members on the administration and 
management of the Red Crescent Units, the Red Cross/Red Crescent in general, follow by 2 
workshop sessions.


The Closing Ceremony was officiated by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Wong Soon Kai, Chairman 
of the MRCS Sibu Chapter on 15th May 1998. It is with pride and joy that I would like to share 
with you that our Branch has once again accorded the honour to receive the MRCS Quality Award for 
this year. My congratulations to all the volunteers and staff without whose support and contribution 
that achievement could not be possible.


The Branch grand Food Fair held at the Civic Centre received overwhelming response from the public.  
Over forty stalls were set up selling various food items. It was heartening to see many service clubs, 
organisations and individuals helping out in the food fair. Our grateful thanks and deep appreciation 
to all those who had helped to make this event a great success. Hopefully, we can make this event an 
annual affair.


As a follow-up to the launch of the Blood Donor  Month by YB Dato Chua Jui Meng on 7th November 1998, 
the Sarawak Branch also launched a similar programme on 18th November 1998 by Dr. Yao Sik King, 
Chairman of the Blood Donor Recruitment Sub-Committee. The objective of which is aimed at further 
increasing the awareness among the public on our Society's campaign on blood collection and blood 
donor recruitment drive. She appealed for more blood donors to come forward in response to the 
National Blood Donor Month to help the sick and injured by giving them their "Gift of Life".


At the recent Presentation Ceremony of the TYT Blood Donors Challenge Trophy held at the Astana, the 
Royal Malaysia Police won both the TYT Challenge Trophy and the Commissioner of Police Challenge 
Trophy. The Youth Development Training Centre again won the Datuk Patinggi Hajah Rosmiati Challenge 
Trophy in the women's category.


With the new millennium around the corner, the Society intends to look into the formation of more 
Chapters to meet the needs of each division, new ways to raise funds to meet the expansion of our 
services in the community and greater opportunities of involving volunteers in serving the less fortunate 
in our community.  These plans are being developed through the committed and dedicated support of the 
volunteers.


In conclusion, let me on behalf of the Society, acknowledge with grateful appreciation for the dedication 
and commitment of the volunteers in meeting our objectives and the substantial contribution of all 
Chapters and Committee Members towards the proper management of the affairs of the Society. 


I hope that all we have done to date and all that we plane to do in the tomorrows to come have been 
possible and can continue to be possible, only through your kind and continuing support. You are the 
true exponents of Voluntarism dedicated to the Service of our community without regards to race, 
religion and status.