‘Provide monsoon allowance for unsung heroes’

RISKING one’s life to save another is a job that not many dare to take on and must be highly compensated by the government, says youth non-governmental organisation chief Khairul Azlan Sulong (pic).

The Gerakan Belia 4B Malaysia (Johor) chairman said the government could also introduce a monsoon allowance for the authorities and rescue agencies.

He added that climate change had brought unforeseen challenges to rescue operations and those who were tasked with this job must also be protected.

“Instead of just praising them as ‘unsung heroes’, we should at least compensate them for their bravery of putting other lives before their own.

“They should at least be given a double salary or some incentive each time they are deployed to conduct rescue operations throughout the monsoon season.

“The majority are sole breadwinners in their family and all of them will have their leave frozen and be recalled to work for more than 24 hours; so this is only fair,” Khairul said.

He added that those involved in rescue operations were mostly lower-ranking personnel and officers earning low salaries.

“There are those who might say that this is the risk that comes with the job, but we have to also remember that they are human beings as well and they have families waiting for their safe return,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Johor Youth Council (MBNJ) deputy president Mohammad Alif A. Rahim said the council had been selected as coordinator of the Southern Volunteers (SV) to help rescue agencies and authorities at temporary relief centres (PPS).

“At the moment, we have more than 38,000 registered SV members, including 12,000 new members who registered this year.

“Some of them have already been exposed to operations during the previous flood and I believe that all are prepared to help flood victims in the state during the monsoon season,” he said.

Mohammad Alif added that its main agenda was to mobilise the SV team after floods, especially on clean-up operations in the affected areas.

“More helping hands means a faster recovery period for flood victims and the state in general, so people can get back to their lives quickly.

“We are also working closely with local councils and SWM Environment Sdn Bhd for the post-flood clean-up works, as they have the necessary equipment,” he added.

Besides the clean-up, MBNJ would also be involved in coordinating aid distribution to flood victims, he said. — By REMAR NORDIN