APM Offers Chance For Volunteers From Japan To Gain Experience In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) – The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is offering opportunities for volunteers from Japan in the field of medical emergency services and rescue operations to gain experience in Malaysia.

APM Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), Abdul Wahab Rahim, said the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Connecting Worlds Institute of Japan, an organisation made up of volunteers among students and the public in the country.

He said through this collaboration, volunteers from Japan will be stationed at APM training centres nationwide to enhance skills related to emergency and rescue services.

"At the same time, we will also ask these Japanese volunteers to introduce to APM members about similar organisations in their countries, which are mobilised by many volunteers. This allows our members to gain experience there," he told Bernama at the Connecting Worlds Institute of Japan Delegation's visit programme to the APM District Office in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Abdul Wahab, this exchange of experiences and knowledge sharing will strengthen the capacity of volunteers from both countries in the field of medical emergency services and rescue operations.

During the visit, a total of 10 volunteers from the organisation were briefed on disaster management and APM operations, besides witnessing a demonstration of the use of rescue equipment.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Connecting Worlds Institute of Japan, Yusuke Takayama, said that his department is ready to manage the placement of APM members who are interested in gaining experience in Japan in the two fields.

"I will also inform firefighters and rescuers in Japan about the opportunities offered by APM as it benefits both parties," he said.

Takayama, who is also a lecturer at Teikyo University and volunteered as an assistant medical officer at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital from 2010 to 2011, said the APM rescue operation equipment displayed in today's demonstration was well maintained and ready for use in emergency situations.

--BERNAMA