The Beginning
of Red Cross in Sarawak
During the Second World War no Red Cross parcels were delivered to prisoners in the hands of the Japanese. The excuse was that there were no Branches of the British Red Cross Society in the Far East. In 1947 the British Red Cross in London approached the Government of Sarawak and other Far Eastern Colonies as they were then and in December 1947, a public meeting was called by Mr. Christopher Dawson, who was O.A.G. at that time, to be held in St. Mary’s School Hall in Kuching to discover the wishes of the people. After discussion it was unanimously decided to agree to the Sarawak Branch of the British Red Cross Society being formed. Mrs. Phyllis Kennedy was asked to be its first colony President and she accepted this honour very gratefully. Dr. John Claphan was nominated as Director and Mr. H.M. Cockle as Treasurer. The meeting the closed. A Committee was formed and its first week task was to prepare a Constitution which was accepted by the Red Cross in London. Money was provided by Headquarters to by an ambulance which arrived in due course. Member of all section of the community in Kuching joined and the first group was formed meeting once a week in the Union Club. They rolled bandages, made Khaki shorts for the home for the poor on the Serian Road. They work to raise funds, taught handicrafts to some of the patients in the mental block, and T.B. ward of the hospital as well as visiting the Leper settlement every week. In 1949 Miss Richardson Jones, an officer of the Red Cross in Britain was seconded to Kuching for two years to help with started in Miri, Sibu and the outstations and one with 90 member under the leadership of Mrs. Ong Chin Khoy at the Leper Settlement. This group did wonderful work among their fellow patients. In 1952 Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, visit Sarawak and was very interested and impressed by the work being done by the Red Cross in Sarawak and by the smartness of the Detachments. Junior link in school had also been started. By 1952 the Kuching Division of the Red Cross had outgrown the Union Club and the decision to build its own Headquarters for the Branch was taken by the Branch Committee. The Government was approached for a plot of land which they gave, a lottery was promoted throughout Sarawak to raise the funds required and thanks to Mr. William Tan’s expertise and generosity the Countess of Limerick, who was visiting Red Cross Branches in the Far East, laid the foundation stone in 1953 and the building was completed that year. Having a Headquarters in the Capital made everyone feel that they belonged to the same organisation, that they were a whole and not isolated units and this was the forerunner of the Sarawak Red Cross of today.
How We Had
Progressed.....
1947 The British Red Cross set up its first Branches in Sabah & Sarawak. Red Cross movement was introduced into Sarawak where a public meeting was held in St. Mary’s School Hall, Kuching. 1948 An Inaugural meeting was held to form a Branch of the British Red Cross Society in Sarawak. Mrs. Phyllis Kennedy was the founder President. 1951 Red Cross first established in Malays as a branch of British Red Cross Society. 1953 The Countess of Limerick, Vice-Chairman of the British Red Cross Society laid the foundation stone of the first headquarters building of the Branch at Mosque Road, Kuching. The first Branch headquarters building at Mosque Road, Kuching (which is now housed the Welfare Division of the Ministry of Social Development) was built. 1957 With National Independence the Federation of Malaya Red Cross Society was established by statute on 22nd November. A Red Cross Transit Hostel was established in Kuching to serve up country patients and their relatives. 1958 A District Headquarters building was completed in Simanggang, now known as Sri Aman. 1960 The Branch helped in the formation of the Sarawak Blood Transfusion Service in which the Branch played the main role in recruiting blood donors until today. 1962 Geneva convention Act 1962. (Federation of Malaya Act of Parliament No.5 of 1962) During an armed uprising that occurred in Brunei which spread to Limbang, Red Cross volunteers in Limbang and Miri helped to provide relief to the wounded and prisoners of both sides. 1963 Recognition by the International Committee of Red Cross. A Red Cross Division was formed in Sibu. The inaugural meeting was held in the Foochow Association in which Mr. Ting Ming Hui was elected as President with Mr. Wong Soon Kai as Chairman. Bad floods hit Limbang, Red Cross volunteers helped to evacuate victims, distribute food, clothing and blankets to flood victims. For the courage and devotion in service during the revolt and at the time of the flood, the Limbang centre of the Red Cross was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Government. 1965 The Malaysian Red Crescent Society received its charter formalising the establishment of one National Red Cross Society for the whole of Malaysia. On the formation of the Malaysian Red Cross Society, the Red Cross in Sarawak became a Branch of the new Society. Malaysian Red Cross Society(Incorp) Act 1965. 1966 A Red Cross Headquarters was built at Race Course Road, Sibu. 1967 A Red Cross Headquarters was built in Miri. 1968 The present Red Crescent Branch Headquarters at Jawa Road, Kuching was officially declared open by the late Tun Abang Hj. Openg, the then Governor of Sarawak. 1969 MRCS sets up the 999 24-Hour Emergency Ambulance Service in Kuala Lumpur. 1970 MRCS formulates a Disaster Preparedness Relief Plan and forms a Mobile Relief Column, comprising rescue boats, amphibious vehicles, water trailers, mobile kitchens, ambulances, mobile blood bank, information and control unit, land rovers and heavy vehicles. 1974 A District Committee was officially established in Kuching. MRCS Miri District hosted the annual First-aid & Nursing Competition participated by MRCS Miri District, Lutong District, Limbang District. British Red Cross Society Brunei, Muara Division and Seria Kuala Belait Division. Kuching District was established with a launching ceremony held on 17 Feb 1974 officiated by the Sarawak Branch Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk William Tan. 1975 Malaysian Red Crescent Society (Change of name) Act 1975. Parliament passed a Bill changing name and symbol of Society from Red Cross to Red Crescent. - Laws of Malaysia Act 1962. - First of the biannual meetings of Red Cross and Red Crescent Leaders within the ASEAN Region. - The beginning of the MRCS Assistance Programme for Vietnamese Boat People. The Kapit District was formed and official launched by the Branch Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk William Tan. Landing of the first batch of Vietnamese Boat People at Paloh, Sarikei. However, MRCS only involved in the assistant programme on June, 1976 after the 4th landing. A Bill was passed in Parliament and subsequently tabled at the Dewan Negara to change the name and symbol of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. The Bill received Royal Assent and since then the Society has been known as the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. 1977 Malaysian Red Crescent Society became the first National Society out of 122 National Societies to be awarded the Nansen Medal in recognition of its outstanding services rendered to the cause of refugees and displaced persons. 4 Sub-District Committee was formed in Lawas. Lawas Sub-District was formed on 9/7/97 after its 1st meeting held in the Lawas Recreation Club. 1978 Sarawak Branch sets up a Library to serve as a resource centre. Publications from National Societies and a wide range of reading materials covering in disaster preparedness, Red Cross/Red Crescent activities were gathered for the purpose. Serian Sub-District Committee was established on 10 March 1978 under the leader of Dr. Andrew Kiyu. The Sub-District was officially launched on 7 May 1978. Major fire broke out in Ban Bazaar. Rendering 900 people homeless. Disaster Relief Column from Kuching was despatched to cook meals and provide relief services for 4 days. Kuching District organised the 1st Blood Donor Award for Department/Organisation which donated the highest percentage of blood during a year in the State TYT Yang Di Pertua Negeri Sarawak donated a shield to honour the winning Department/organisation. 1979 Malaysian Red Crescent Society hosted the First Asia and Pacific Seminar on International Humanitarian Law, Kuala Lumpur. 1st year of implementation and 5 Years Development Plan (1979-1983) for MRCS Sarawak Branch. The first Primary Health Care Survey was carried out in Kampung Sungai Apong & Kampung Tabuan in Kuching. 1980 Sarawak Branch organised the 1st Disaster Relief & Emergency Preparedness course for 52 key officials from throughout Sarawak. 4 participants from Sabah Branch and 2 welfare officer who attached the course. Sarawak Branch took part in the 7th National Red Crescent First Aid Competition. The VAD team secured 3rd placing. Sarwak Branch played host - to the 38th national Council Meeting which was held for the part-time outside Peninsular Malaysia. 1981 The new headquarters of MRCS Sibu District at jalan Awang Ramli Amit, Sibu, was officially opened by the then TYT Yang Di Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Datuk Patinggi Hj Abdul Rahman Ya’kub. Last batch of Vietnamese Boat People left the Transit Camp at Jln. Bako, Kuching for transfer to VBP Camp in Kuala Lumpur. The Transit-Camp in Kuching was officially closed and marked the end to the VBP Aid Programme in Sarawak. A Record of 3162 refugees landed along the Sarawak coastline. Sibu District completed its RM 600,000 Headquarters building and was declared opened on 16 Dec 1981. The Primary Health Care Programme took shape with the visit of Mr. Odd Grann, Director of Norwegian Red Cross Society and Mr. Bjorn Eng, Delegate of IFRC to the proposed site of the project at Kpg. Tabuan. 1982 Malaysian Red Crescent Society became the first voluntary organisation in Malaysia to be awarded the Tun Abdul Razak Award in recognition of its outstanding services to the community and the Vietnamese Boat People. Saratok Sub-District held on inaugural Meeting on 29/6/82. Completion of the building for the First Aid & Primary Health Care Clinic at Kpg. Tabuan Melayu in Kuching. The project costing RM 40,000 was financed by the Hordaland District of the Norwegian Red Cross Society. MRCS Sarawak Branch Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk William Tan initiated a scholarship scheme for needy students who are youth members in secondary schools. This scholarship is an annual scheme and is administered by the Branch Secretariat and the Awards committee and the Sarawak Branch. 1983 Official opening of the Kpg Tabuan Melayu Clinic, a primary health care project, financed by the Norwegian Red Cross Society. The function was officiated by the YB Datuk Chia Chin Shin, Asst. Minister of Welfare Services. Sarawak Branch with the approval of the National Training Committee, initiated a common date for all MRCS elimination’s for your members throughout Sarawak. The objective was to set up fixed date for these members to look forward to and prepare themselves for these examination. Annually there were 2 round of such mass examination to be conducted. 10 Branch & District officials went on a Red Cross/Red Crescent Study Tour of Red Cross Centres in Western Europe from 12 May- 14 June 1983. 1984 The Branch initiated a Home Health Service under its Community Services Programme Trained Volunteers visited homes of bad - ridden patient to render teaching on home nursing self-care and or train their family members to MRCS their ailing patients at home. Computerisation of the Blood Donors’ Record which was a boost in the up-grading of this service programme. The Sarawak succeed in obtaining the use of the SEDC’s computer system for this purpose with nominal costs. 1st International Humanitarian law (IHL) Seminar was organised for 250 representation from Government Agencies. Statutory Bodies, Armed Forces, Police and other non-governmental organisations including MRCS Seminar officials. ICRC Delegate Mr. Nicholas Summers and the MRCS Secretary General were among the key speakers at the seminar. Sibu Chapter in collaboration with the Sibu Christian Service Centre and the villagers, errected a building to house the First aid and Health Care Centre at Rumah Janggan, an isolated longhouse situated upstream of Sungai Assan. The building was declared opened on 10/11/84. Serian was up-graded to be a full District. 1986 Malaysian Red Crescent Society hosted the Second Asia and Pacific Workshop on International Humanitarian Law, Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Red Crescent Society launched the Anti-Drug Abuse Hot Line Counselling Service. The beginning of Malaysian Red Crescent Society involvement in the Parents Movement Against Drug Abuse. Sarawak Branch celebrated its 40th Anniversary with various commemorative events such as the Parade by uniformed members, Fund-raising dinner, Souvenir Magazine and Exhibition. Launching of the Revitalisation of VAD Programme in Sarawak. A seminar was held in Miri from 28-30 November 1986. 1987 Launching of Mukah Sub-District and Kanowit Sub-District on 23/2/87 & 12/9/87 respectively by the MRCS Sarawak Branch Chairman Tan Sri Datuk William Tan. 1988 Malaysian Red Crescent Society hosted the Asia and Pacific Regional Workshop on Disaster Preparedness and Relief with the League, Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Red Crescent Society hosted the Asia and Pacific Seminar on Refugees and Displaced Persons with the League, Kuala Lumpur. MRCS Sarawak Branch Chairman Tan Sri Datuk William Tan was presented with the Society’s highest award, the Honorary Life Member. The Branch organised the 1st Casualty Simulation Course from 2 - 6 August 1998. An Instructor from the Casualties Union from England was specially brought in to facilitate this training. 1989 Malaysian Red Crescent Society elected to Executive Council of the League. Second Conference of MRCS Leaders. Launching of the Project for the Hepatitis B Immunisation for Blood Donors by YAB Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Taib Mahmud on 7/6/89 at the Dewan Suarah Kuching. 1990 Royal Patron’s visit to Malaysian Red Crescent Society National Headquarters. Royal Patron’s Inspection of MRCS Parade. A seminar of "Focus on the ICRC and the Media" jointly organised by ICRC and MRCS, Kuala Lumpur. 1991 Launching of VAD Revitalisation Programme. Initiation of the 1st VAD Work Camp held in Camp Permai from 6 - 12 December 1992. Launching of world Wide Campaign for the protection of the Victims of War by Tunku Tan Sri Mohamed b. Tunku Besar Burhanuddin, National Chairman. MRCS: Appeal for Victims of Gulf War is launched by Dato’ Napsiah, Minister of National Unity & Social Development and Vice-President of MRCS. "Light the Darkness" Project at Dataran Merdeka, launched by Yang Di Pertua Agong, Sultan Azlan Shah at KL Hilton 18 May 1991. "Kem Kenyalang 1991" organised by MRCS and hosted by Sarawak Branch was held in Kuching City, Sarawak, 26th May - 1st June 1991. MRCS awarded the Prime Minister’s Quality Award, Social Sector. 1992 Opening of the MRCS Miri Chapter Hqs. building by the YAB Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Taib Mahmud. National Level Jungle Camp ‘Kem Sadong’ held in Serian, Sarawak from 24 - 28 May 1992. 1993 Launching of MRCS Teledera Hotline Service by YB Dato’ Napsiah Hj Omar, Minister of National Unity and Social Development, on 29 January 1993. 1994 Launcing of MRCS 24 hour Telecounselling service by the Minister of National Unity and Social Development, YB Dato’ Napsiah Hj Omar on 5 May 1994. MRCS organised the South East Asia Red Cross/Red Crescent Workshop on Action for Refugees, Displaced Persons and Returnees from 18 - 20 May 1994. MRCS received Certificate of Appreciation from the Government in recognition of services rendered during the Tragedy of Highland Towers in December 1993. Tunku Tan Sri Mohamed bin Tunku Besar Burhanuddin handed over the Chairmanship of MRCS to Tun Dato’ Seri Abdul Hamid Hj Omar on 31 July 1994. "MRCS Royal Banquet" graced by the Majesties Seri Paduka baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agung, Tuanku Jaafar Ibni Al Marhum Tuanku Abdul Ramna and Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agung and the installation of 8 Senate members at Hilton Hotel on 5 December 1994. Introduction of new First Aid Teaching Methodology for standardisation in content and teaching technique, the central focus for the MRCS Sarawak Branch in training. IHL Instructor Course was held in Bintulu with facilitators from ICRC, MRCS National Hqs. Sarikei Chapter completed its Hqs. building in April 1995. 1995 Launching of the First Aider In Every Home Programme by the State Minister of Finance & Public Utilities, YB Datuk Dr. George Chan Hong Nam on 16 Dec 1995. MRCS organised the Asia Pacific Disaster Preparedness Strategy Workshop from 20 - 25 March 1995. Formation of Labuan Branch as the 15th Branch of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society officiated by the National Chairman YABhg Tun Dato’ Seri Abdul Hamid Hj Omar on 13 April 1995. MRCS organised the 1st Regional Database Programme from 28-30 August 1995 at Ming Court Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Asia Pacific Regional Workshop on Women, HIV/AIDS - Facing the Realities in Kuala Lumpur from 17-22 July 1995. Former National Chairman, the late Tunku Tan Sri Mohamed bin Tunku Besar Burhanuddin posthumously awarded the Henry Dunant Medal, November 1995. 1996 "President’s Banquet" (Dinner Show) was held on 12 April 1996 at Hilton Hotel. The Official Closing of the Sungei Besi Transit Camp marking the end of MRCS assistance programme for the Vietnamese Boat People on 25 June 1996. Tropical Storm "GREG" hit Sabah on 26 December 1996. MRCS launched nationwide appeal to assist the victim. Earth breaking ceremony of the MRCS Miri Chapter Kidney Dialysis Centre by State Minister of Finance & Public Utilities, YB Datuk Dr. George Chan Hong Nam. 1997 MRCS Sarawak Branch hosted Kem Kenyalang 1997, as international Red Cross/Red Crescent Youth Gathering held in Kuching from 30 May - 6 June 1997. Participated in the International Appeal for North Korea Famine Fund and raised more than RM 300,000. MRCS Sarawak Branch commemorated its 50th Anniversary with a Charity Dinner, graced by TYT Tun Datuk patinggi (Dr.) Haji Ahmad Zaidi Addurce bin Mohammed Noor and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Rosmiati. MRSC Sarawak Branch was awarded the MRCS Quality Award for 1997.