Malaysian Red Crescent Society

 

In 1864, sixteen countries signed the " Charter", which brought the Red Cross into existence. It laid down that in war, sick and injured soldiers, friend or foe should be protected, nursed and cared for. This charter came to be known as the First Geneva Convention.

 

Each state within Malaysia and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan constitute a Branch of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS). Membership of the MRCS is open to all in Malaysia, without discrimination on the grounds of race, station in life, religion or political inclinations.

 

The MRCS is one of the 175 National Society of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies throughout the world and is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (The international Federation)

Its mission does not just end with the protection and preservation of life during catastrophes and tragedies. It is also concerned with otheraspects in the welfare of all communities, especially underprivileged, handicapped and other humanitarian works. Some of the on-going activities are: strengthening Disaster Preparedness and Respond, developing the 999 24-hours Emergency Ambulance Service, promoting Blood Donor programmes, implemeting Health and Community Service Programmes, developing First-Aid knowledgethrough a "First Aider in Every home" programme, disseminating knowledge of the Fundamental Principles and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Implementing and developing training programmes and mitigating suffering through active participation in relief operation and deliberation.

 

The year 1998 marks 50 years of Humanitarian services by the Red Cross and the Red Crescent movement in Malaysia.