Be extra cautious: (From left) Chong, Lim and Goh showing photos and documents related to the incident at the press conference.
GAZIANTEP (Turkiye): The proposal to grant a special allowance to members of the country’s search and rescue (SAR) team in the earthquake mission in Turkiye is a morale booster and will motivate the members to continue to do their best.
A member of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), Akmar Hisham Basor, said the special gift could motivate the team members, who are now entering their second week of duty in Nurdagi.
“It can also inspire other SMART members to participate in future overseas missions,” he told Bernama following the Prime Minister’s statement in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday that proposed for all national SAR team personnel serving in the mission to rescue earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria be given a special allowance.
Anwar said it should include giving certificates of appreciation and special service medals in recognition of the sacrifices and commitment of the officers involved.
Meanwhile, a Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) officer, Mohd Khairul Azmi Jaafar, said he was grateful for the announcement made by the Prime Minister.
He said besides giving encouragement, it was also an appreciation of the members who faced various challenges and difficulties while conducting SAR operations here.
“The announcement has a positive impact on every individual involved, it shows the government is concerned with the challenges faced by the SAR team here,” he said.
A member of the Special Civil Defence Force (Paspa), Mohd Alip Roslani, said it had motivated him to continue to be involved in such operations in the future.
“What is most important is the disaster management experience gained here can be applied in our country,” he said.
On Monday, Anwar left for Turkiye to express his moral support to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of the country who were hit by an earthquake early last week that claimed tens of thousands of lives.
As of Friday, the national SAR team have managed to save five families and recover 47 bodies.
MCA also praised Anwar’s gesture, with its spokesperson Saw Yee Fung saying the proposed recognition for Malaysia’s SMART, SAR and medical teams is much welcome.
“This award is recognition of the professionalism, tireless determination and how indispensable SAR workers are when natural catastrophes strike and should be supported by all Malaysians.
“The SAR crew place their own lives at risk amid unpredictable elements in daunting circumstances.
“From Malaysia’s tropical climate to first time conducting SAR in sub-zero temperatures, the SAR personnel have never complained but remained focused on locating and retrieving survivors or victims who perished, or to treat the wounded and injured or deliver emergency first aid to save lives,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Saw said SAR members had time and time again proven their colour-blind work ethic, by persevering with spirited resolve in their humanitarian missions regardless of race, religion, gender, class, or citizenship, be it from Batang Kali to Nurdagi and Adiyaman, southern Turkiye, and now en route to northern Syria.
“We urge Malaysians to acknowledge the presence and efficiency of Malaysia’s emergency response and relief workers who are often taken for granted or not even thought of, in regular days, when no major disaster makes it to the news,” she said, adding that Malaysians must also be equally appreciative to search dogs that are part of the team.
“In both the landslide and earthquake tragedies, the K9 squad with their sensitive sniffing ability have proven how instrumental our four-legged friends are in detecting signs of life or remains of people. In this regard, we urge the public not to abuse animals, dogs included.
“It was only recently that Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed sadness and disappointment following photos and videos of abandoned dogs neglected and emaciated at a dog shelter.
“Hence, do not give dogs a dog’s life, but remember that pooches wag their tails from their heart. Especially now, in times of major disaster, canines certainly live up to the adage that ‘dogs are man’s best friend’.”
