By Caritas Malaysia
KLUANG — A training on Disaster Response was held in St Louis Church, Kluang on 19 July 2023 organised by Caritas Malacca Johore Diocese Office of Human Development (Caritas MJDOHD).
The trainer CK Cheong, the Chairman of Asia Crisis Response Alliance (ACRA) was invited to share his many years of experience and knowledge to the 21 participants from several parishes across the diocese. Most of the participants are volunteers involved in the Chaah flood response in March 2023. The training aims to equip volunteers with basic disaster preparedness, understanding disaster response and establishing an emergency response team. Few topics on local co-ordination and operations in disaster areas were also covered during the session.
At the training, the participants were also taught on how to make a good assessment to prioritise response actions and identifying urgent needs. With the trainer’s vast experience, the participants’ doubts and queries were made clearer and answered. A few questions were raised and using actual response experiences of the trainer, the participants were given a broader view of possible real scenarios that will happen when a disaster strikes. No one way method can be applied as situations change every time. Volunteers need to be ready to re-design and modify response plans according to the needs or when situations demand for a change of operation method.
At the end of the session, participants shared their feedbacks on the training that they received. Many benefitted in terms of knowledge and to manage expectations. A seed of volunteerism has also been planted in the participants with more willingness to offer their help and act in solidarity to respond to an emergency response.
These feedbacks were constructive and created an opportunity for Caritas Malaysia to listen to the local community. Facing the reality that disaster is increasing and the severity is getting worse, part of Caritas Malaysia’s midterm plans is to introduce a Segment Committee. This committee will be set up to consist of a group of experts to head various needs. One of the identified groups will be a Disaster Response group.
Taking into consideration the current environmental issues such as floods, landslides and earthquakes, Caritas Malaysia will be organising more of such trainings to empower and educate the local community to be ready to respond and to lead in crisis response. Through mobilising the right volunteers, resources, and equipment, it could significantly reduce the impact affected by disasters and lives be restored in a timely and coordinated manner.
