KL plans Asean relief alliance
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will take the lead to set up the Asean
Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations on Disaster Relief, said executive
vice-chairman of the National Coalition of NGOs on Disaster Relief Tan Sri Ajit
Singh.
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SAVING RULES: Ajit Singh (right) observing how rescue
work is carried out by members of the Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Operation Association chairman K. Balasupramaniam and Lt Anita Lim
Saturday. |
Citing the example of the recent SARS outbreak, he said it was time to lead
in spearheading and co-ordinating relief work.
“In the case of SARS, if the outbreak is defined as a disaster, the outbreak
could be contained with better co-ordination in the name of the Asean spirit,”
he said.
The formation of the Asean coalition is aimed at ensuring that rescue and
search operations are smoothly conducted during disasters at the national and
regional level.
Ajit Singh pointed out that the
Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation would not only to be the secretariat for the
National coalition of NGOs on Disaster Relief in the country but would also take
the initiative in spearheading the formation of the coalition at the Asean
level.
He said the coalition would not only encourage transparency, good governance
and increase the level of preparedness of NGOs in providing relief during
disasters, it would also co-ordinate disaster relief efforts among the
NGOs.
The coalition would also be able to represent NGOs at regional and
international forums, he added.
Ajit Singh said a three-day conference from June 21 to 23 would be held at
MidValley Megamall Exhibition Centre to discuss disaster relief at the national
and Asean level.
He said said five Asean member countries had confirmed their participation in
the conference and representatives would comprise Welfare Ministers and two NGOs
from each country. The NGOs would attend the conference as observers.
The formation of the Asean coalition is aimed at ensuring that rescue and
search operations are smoothly conducted during disasters at the national and
regional level.
