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.


Tribute To The Late Tan Sri Datuk William Tan