SIBU: Volunteerism is very crucial in our society especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sibu Resident, Wong Hie Sieng said this during the launching of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day Celebration at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu branch headquarters yesterday (May 8).
“In times of crisis, we can see the importance of volunteerism and I can see that Sibu people, a lot of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), one of them being MRCS, have played a very important role during the past and crucial time in the two years,” he said.
Wong described the pandemic as a new crisis that people never had experienced in the last century.
“That is why you can see that even though the pandemic is getting less (severe) still death happens. Some countries are still facing the pandemic threat.
“In Malaysia thanks to our government policies on vaccination, I think today the most important thing is you and I are no longer fear because we can protect ourselves. We are fully vaccinated,” he said.
Wong pointed out that throughout the pandemic the Sibu Divisional Committee has faced various challenges.
“I would like to extend my greatest gratitude to MRCS for their contribution during the pandemic time,” he said.
Wong added that MRCS has brought people together through education, and awareness in the school about the importance of volunteerism.
“They create awareness to the public about volunteerism that is very important to humankind and the importance of helping the less fortunate,” he said.
Wong shared that MRCS was always there to help and can be regarded as frontliners.
“During disasters, natural disasters, landslides, fires and the pandemic MRCS always plays a very important role. I can say that you sometimes can be regarded as the frontliners like all the government agencies,” he said.
Wong hoped the MRCS will continue to expand and recruit new members.
“We must make sure that the spirit of this volunteerism will continue so that we will be able to create a harmonious and caring society in Sibu,” he said.
