In 1971, when he joined the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), a young and determined Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee began an incredible journey that would last over fifty years.
Today, at the age of 70, he continues to selflessly serve this noble cause, setting an inspiring example of dedication and unwavering commitment.
Chua, who serves as the chairman of MRCS Sibu Branch, fondly recalls the early days when he and a group of like-minded friends decided to become members of the MRCS Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD).
Their story exemplifies the power of youth, community, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
“In those days, it was very meaningful. We were young and eager to give back to our community. We had a strong sense of purpose, thinking about how we could serve and help the local community,” he said.
While many young women at the time joined the MRCS to acquire essential first aid skills and become nurses, Chua and his male companions had a different motivation. They sought to gain knowledge in first aid and, most importantly, serve their local community.
“We, as boys, joined the MRCS because we were passionate about serving. We were eager to learn about first aid and acquire the vital skills to assist those in need within our local community,” he added.
As Chua reflects on his more than five decades of service, he firmly believes that joining the MRCS was one of the best decisions he ever made.
“It allowed us, as young people, to make a significant contribution to the community. That was our ultimate goal: to offer our skills and services for the betterment of the public,” he said.
Chua’s journey in MRCS is filled with remarkable stories of transformation and dedication.
He assumed the role of chairman at MRCS Sibu after the tenure of the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai.
The transition was relatively straightforward as his predecessor had laid a solid foundation.
Chua reminisced about the challenges he faced during his time as a committee member under the former Chairman’s leadership, noting that things were far from easy.
They initially operated from a rented residential house before eventually moving into the current MRCS headquarters in 1965.
Back then, the building was made of wood, but it has since been replaced with a sturdy concrete structure, thanks to the generosity of the Sarawak government and the people of Sibu.
The building was officially inaugurated by the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Ya’akub, who was the Head of State at the time.
Chua reflected on the significant transformation of MRCS Sibu branch over the years.
They tirelessly worked to raise awareness about blood donation among the public, and one of their key initiatives was the establishment of a Blood Donation Centre at their headquarters.
“Recruiting blood donors, particularly among the Chinese, was a challenging task. It took years of public education efforts to encourage more Chinese to participate.
“Slowly, with the help of many NGOs, especially within the Chinese community, we built up the blood supply to hospitals.
“In those days, it wasn’t easy; we had to provide replacements for the blood used in hospitals. Selling blood was a common practice in hospitals. There was, what we called, brokers, in the hospital,” Chua added.
Under his leadership, Chua expanded upon the achievements of his predecessor.
“In 2022, we managed to collect 9,403 pints of blood not only from Chinese but also Malays, Iban, and others. Previously, we saw a low turnout of women as blood donors, but now the number is increasing, especially among the younger generation,” he said.
Chua expressed his gratitude for the foundation laid by the former committee members and chairman, which made his role as MRCS Sibu Branch chairman much more manageable.
“I consider myself very lucky because the former senior members, especially the former chairman, have already laid the foundation. So, when I took over as chairman, the only things we had to do were to innovate and introduce more activities,” he said.
Although the foundation has been laid by his predecessor, there is still room for improvement in terms of recruiting more members and finding a support system, as MRCS is a non-profit organisation.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of new recruits has decreased, even in schools. That’s why we aim to have a smart partnership and involve more NGOs in MRCS Sibu Branch, joining hands to complement each other’s needs in our service efforts.
“Meanwhile, as a VAD, you don’t have to participate in all the activities, but it’s enough to respond when we need manpower. Let’s join hands and make a big difference in Sibu; that’s our goal,” he said.
Addressing recruitment, Chua mentioned that everything is now done online through the MRCS Community website.
“There is a lack in this online digital world. Those who wantto join can visit our website, fill in the necessary information, and become a member. We will contact them accordingly,” he explained.
Chua’s passion and dedication to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society are evident in his words and actions. His unwavering commitment to serving the community, particularly in the field of first aid and blood donation, has made a significant impact in Sibu.
As he looks toward the future, Chua hopes to continue expanding the reach of MRCS Sibu Branch and inspiring more young people to join and contribute to this noble cause.
“We need more young people to come forward, to join us and continue the legacy. We need fresh ideas and perspectives to keep evolving and adapting to the changing needs of our community,” he emphasised.
Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee’s remarkable journey with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of service and the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.
