By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, May 17 — The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) hosted a gathering on May 8 in conjunction with the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, in an event that underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing humanitarian causes both locally and globally.
The gathering, which was graced by MRC national chairman Temenggong of Kedah Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, was also to honour the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention.
In a statement, MRC said the significance of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day resonates even more profoundly today, amid unprecedented global crises and loss.
“The theme of this year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’, is a call to celebrate those who give their time, and sometimes their lives, to ease the suffering of others and protect their inherent human dignity.
“It is also a poignant reminder of the daily dangers faced by humanitarian workers and our collective obligation to ensure their life-saving work is fully respected and protected,” it said today.
Over 400 people attended the event, held in collaboration with the Malaysian Red Crescent Kuala Lumpur Chapter and supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, at the HGH Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Among those present were government officials, MRC members, delegates from the ICRC, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, donors and partners.
“The event is also a platform for reflection, gratitude and recommitment to humanitarian action, echoing the principles enshrined in the Geneva Convention.”
During the programme, MRC announced the appointment of three personalities — Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim, Sharifah Sakinah and Bob Yusof — as its ambassadors to help further amplify the organisation’s reach and impact.
“These ambassadors will play a crucial role in MRC’s upcoming campaigns and events,” it said.
The organisation also sealed several strategic partnerships through the signing of memorandum of understanding with WWF-Malaysia, Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia, Kolej Unikop, Rejuvenate Healthcare Sdn Bhd, Spectrum Outdoor Marketing Sdn Bhd and Limo Cab to strengthen collaborative efforts towards sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
In the same event, MRC unveiled its new mascot, Andoh, in collaboration with the MRC National Youth Council, to engage with the community, particularly children and families, to promote humanitarianism, offering aid to those in need.