UKAS CSR Programme Boosts First Aid Awareness in Kuching
KUCHING – Efforts to strengthen community preparedness during emergencies received a boost through the ‘Sentuhan Prihatin: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)’ programme organised by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit in collaboration with the Malaysian Red Crescent Kuching District Branch.
The programme, held at the Sarawak State Library Gallery on Thursday, highlighted the importance of basic first aid knowledge and encouraged greater public involvement in emergency response efforts.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Abdullah Saidol officiated the closing ceremony of the programme. In his address, he emphasised that early assistance from members of the public can play a crucial role during emergency situations, particularly before professional medical teams arrive at the scene.
According to him, members of the community are often the first individuals present when accidents or injuries occur. Therefore, having basic first aid knowledge can make a significant difference in stabilising victims and preventing their condition from becoming more serious.
He explained that quick and confident action by trained individuals can help provide immediate treatment while waiting for paramedics or medical personnel to arrive. This early response may reduce complications and potentially save lives.
During the programme, UKAS and the Malaysian Red Crescent Kuching District Branch also expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in future community-based events and projects. The partnership aims to expand awareness activities and encourage more people to take part in emergency response training.
Datuk Abdullah also suggested that similar initiatives should be expanded to rural areas across Sarawak. He noted that communities located far from hospitals or clinics may face delays in receiving professional medical assistance, making basic first aid knowledge even more important.
He added that the involvement of youth groups, grassroots leaders and local communities can help establish a reliable early support network capable of responding quickly to accidents or injuries in their respective areas.
In addition, he reminded road users to always give way to ambulances and emergency vehicles to ensure medical teams can reach emergency locations without delay.
The CSR programme reflects UKAS’ ongoing commitment to raising public health awareness while strengthening collaboration between government agencies, volunteer organisations and local communities in preparing for emergencies.
Also present at the event were Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan and Ajes Tuah, along with other invited guests.
The programme concluded with a shared call for stronger community participation in learning first aid skills, ensuring that more people are ready to provide early assistance when emergencies occur.
