From the beginning, Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) has worked to relieve suffering in the world, and promote peace through disaster management, health and community services. During the early years, MRC focused on responding to disasters, building capacity as an organisation to train members and volunteers in first aid, disaster management, emergency response, and supporting communities towards good health and wellbeing.
Today, MRC is one of the lead agencies for disaster management in Malaysia, building programmes and activities to prepare for a disaster, and work towards reducing the factors that cause them. During an emergency, MRC assits with early recovery and mass cooking and once the crisis is over, works hand-in-hand with communities to help overcome their struggles, rebuild their lives and transform from victim to survivor to rescuer.
Resilient communities are built with the future in mind. That means ensuring on-going support and a wide range of assistance is available until a certain level of self-sufficiency has been reached. This is particularly essential considering the severity of disasters, mainly floods, have worsened over the past decade. Supporting the community, empowering individuals with skills, tools, and training, and listening to what people need to accelerate recovery after a disaster, has made the most significant impact. The culmination of which has been recorded in the story of the East Coast Floods, where nine villages have been adopted since 2014.
Floodplains near coastal areas and along rivers become severely flooded, which impacts the communities living in the vicinity. During the early years, there was little or no warning of imminent flooding, and many would become trapped in their homes, unable to call for help.
With a strong presence in the community, trained first aiders all over the country and a large body of volunteers, MRC was ideally placed to make a difference. The foundations had been firmly laid for the Society to be able to help authorities cope with civil disasters effectively such as, community outreach and feeding, assisting in hospitals, transporting the sick and wounded, operating mobile and static first aid clinics and undertaking blood donor recruitment.
National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) will be expanding to enhance the emergency response capacity in MRC. The NDRT has technical knowledge on disaster response management, basic first aid and is trained to support all emergency operations where necessary. Volunteers are also encouraged to be an active part of community emergency preparedness planning so that they can be more involved and establish a relationship with the professional emergency responders that they will work beside during a disaster.
This year, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) has conducted four key WASH operations to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices across communities in need. These initiatives, running from January to March, took place in Besut, Terengganu (01-15 January 2024) Seberang Perai, Penang (10-14 January 2024) Papar, Sabah (21 Mac – 30 April 2024) and Batu Pahat, Johor (9 – 15 Mac 2024). Each operation focused on providing clean water sources, promoting proper sanitation practices, and educating residents on essential hygiene measures. Through these efforts, MRC aims to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, enhance community health, and empower residents with the knowledge to maintain safer, more hygienic environments.
In these locations, the MRC teams worked with local authorities and community leaders to distribute essential hygiene kits, including soap, water purification tablets, and sanitation supplies. Interactive hygiene workshops were also conducted, targeting both adults and children to raise awareness about handwashing, safe water storage, and proper sanitation practices. These sessions not only provided practical guidance but also encouraged community involvement, making hygiene an approachable and sustainable priority for every family.
Beyond immediate needs, the WASH initiatives also emphasized long-term solutions. MRC focused on building sustainable infrastructure, such as boreholes and filtration systems, where access to clean water is scarce. By involving local volunteers and residents in the maintenance of these resources, MRC ensures that communities have the tools and skills to uphold these improvements over time. These efforts are part of MRC’s broader commitment to fostering resilient communities prepared to handle health challenges and maintain safe water and sanitation practices.
Malaysian Red Crescent’s Disaster Management program emphasizes comprehensive preparedness and resilience-building across communities. Through various training sessions, seminars, classes, and assessments, the program equips volunteers and communities with essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively during emergencies. Key activities include Anticipatory Action training, which prepares communities to act ahead of disasters by implementing preventive measures to reduce impacts.
To further build community health and readiness, the Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) training is conducted, empowering individuals with life-saving skills and basic health practices.
The Enhanced Vulnerability Capacity Assessment allows MRC to evaluate and understand local vulnerabilities, tailoring support to strengthen specific areas of need. Additionally, Information Management Training ensures accurate data collection and effective communication, crucial for informed decision-making in crisis situations.
Other notable activities include EPF (Emergency Preparedness Fund) Distribution for swift financial assistance, the National Anticipatory Action and Simplified Early Action Protocol Workshop to streamline response protocols, and Goods Distribution to provide immediate relief during disasters. Through these coordinated efforts, MRC’s Disaster Management initiatives ensure communities are equipped, resilient, and ready to face future challenges with greater confidence and capability.
Beyond Malaysia’s borders, the Malaysian Red Crescent has been actively involved in responding to major international disasters, providing essential aid and support to communities devastated by natural catastrophes. From the earthquake in Nepal and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines to the Japan earthquake and tsunami, MRC has delivered critical resources, including medical aid, food supplies, and shelter, to those in urgent need.
In partnership with other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, MRC has also responded to the Sichuan earthquake in China, Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, the Yogyakarta earthquake in Indonesia, and the Pakistan earthquake. The organization’s dedication to international humanitarian relief was further demonstrated through its involvement after the Indian Ocean tsunami, where MRC teams assisted affected communities with recovery efforts.
MRC’s global response efforts go beyond emergency relief, focusing on long-term recovery and rebuilding to help communities regain stability. In these operations, MRC teams assist with critical needs like clean water access, healthcare services, and mental health support, while working closely with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to ensure culturally sensitive and effective support. This collaborative approach enables MRC to address both immediate impacts and ongoing community needs, contributing to sustainable recovery.
In each international mission, MRC’s volunteers demonstrate adaptability and commitment, often working in challenging environments to restore hope to affected populations. Whether assisting with rebuilding infrastructure, supporting medical services, or providing food and essential supplies, MRC’s efforts underscore the organization’s core mission of alleviating human suffering and upholding human dignity, regardless of nationality or borders. Through these actions, MRC reinforces its role as a vital contributor to the international humanitarian network, ready to support communities worldwide in times of crisis.
©2024 Malaysian Red Crescent
The Malaysian Red Crescent Society, legally established organization under various Acts of Parliament, including the Federation of Malaya Incorporation) Act 1962, the Malaysian Red Cross Society (Incorporation) Act 1965, the Change of Name Act 1975, and revised Act 540 in 1995. Its structure is based on the 1949 Geneva Conventions, to which Malaysia is committed.