Yayasan Ikhlas, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), successfully organised a Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Course for nine Rukun Tetangga Areas (KRT) in Hulu Besut.
The second series of the programme, held on 14 and 15 August, was attended by 52 participants representing nine KRTs, all of which are located in areas affected by flooding.
The CBDRM course is part of Yayasan Ikhlas’ ongoing commitment as a NADMA partner to empower communities in flood-prone areas with the preparedness, skills and knowledge needed to protect and save their communities.
The programme was officiated by Jefny bin Muhammad, Director of the Community and Social Development Section at NADMA.
In his speech, Jefny said the two-day training focused on the CBDRM approach in line with the guidelines under NADMA Directive No. 1, with emphasis on the role of communities in identifying risks, planning appropriate actions, and carrying out comprehensive disaster response and recovery efforts.
“Throughout the programme, participants were exposed to various practical modules, including disaster communication, first aid, rescue techniques, flood victim management, water and boat operations, risk mapping, drone usage, as well as the implementation of CBDRM at the community level.”
Meanwhile, Yayasan Ikhlas Deputy General Manager Syafiq Syahmi Sazali expressed his appreciation to all strategic partners for their commitment and cooperation in making the CBDRM course a success.
“The successful implementation of this programme would certainly not have been possible without the continued synergy and commitment between Yayasan Ikhlas, NADMA, the Besut District Department of National Unity and Integration, local leaders, trainers, secretariat members and all strategic partners involved. This is the kind of cooperation that we hope will continue to flourish.
“To all participants of CBDRM Besut Series 2, congratulations and well done for the commitment, dedication and spirit you have shown throughout this programme. Hopefully, one day when the emergency siren sounds or the water begins to rise, we will not panic.
“Instead, we will know what needs to be done. We will know who needs help. We will know where to go. And most importantly, we will all know that we are not alone.”
He added that Yayasan Ikhlas will continue to expand the implementation of CBDRM to several other states, including Kelantan, Perak, Melaka, Johor and Sabah.
As part of the programme, Yayasan Ikhlas and the participants also visited villages to identify safe areas, locations of temporary evacuation centres (PPS), rivers, waterways and areas where water flows could potentially contribute to flooding.
Yayasan Ikhlas also visited several homes of flood victims.
“The 2023 flood happened at night. By 3am, people were already making their way to the evacuation centre. But it turned out there was a mother who had just given birth, carrying her baby as she made her way out of the flooded area,” one CBDRM participant recalled.
“I carried my 29-year-old child with disabilities (OKU). It was heavy, but my child’s life was more important,” said Pakcik Zainudin.
Yayasan Ikhlas will continue organising training programmes in areas at critical risk of flooding to prepare communities to respond effectively when disasters strike.
The organisation also called on contributors, particularly corporate organisations, to join Yayasan Ikhlas in supporting these efforts.
It is hoped that communities receiving the training will be equipped with the strength and skills needed to face disasters while also strengthening bonds, unity, compassion and the spirit of community.