11/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 11, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Showcase of life-saving skills at competition

GEORGE TOWN: Seven schools from across Penang came together to showcase essential life-saving skills during the State First Aid and Home Nursing Competition 2026 organised by the St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM), Penang. The annual event aims to standardise and enhance the first aid and nursing skills of cadets across different areas through structured assessment and practical guidance. It also evaluates technical competence, teamwork, leadership and discipline, while providing a platform for growth. Participants engaged in written exams, ambulance skills, home nursing practical procedures, case-based first aid challenges, work allocation and foot drills. A total of 21 teams and 105 students were involved in this year’s competition held at the Caring Society Complex here on March 29. The participating schools were SMJK Chung Ling, SMJK Heng Ee Hamilton, SMJK Heng Ee Cawangan Bayan Baru, SMJK Jit Sin II Seberang Perai Selatan, SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang, SMJK Phor Tay and SMJK Union. The event was judged by distinguished

o St John Ambulance event sees students engaging in written tests, practical scenarios and foot drills

A contesting team performing a practical exercise under the watchful eyes of adjudicators. personnel, including from the 509th Territorial Army Regiment, experienced first aid and nursing adjudicators, as well as nurses and doctors from various hospitals. SJAM Penang commander Datuk Seri Dr Yee Thiam Sun highlighted the importance of the recent competition as being more than just a test of skills. He said it also fosters friendship and values such as resilience, humility, discipline and a love of learning, reflecting SJAM’s mission of service to humanity. Organising committee chairman Loke Heng Hup reminded participants that the day was not just about winning, but also about effort, discipline and courage.

Yee (3rd right) with some of the participants – PHOTOS COURTESY OF SJAM PENANG

Free vehicle inspections and maintenance tips over festive period lauded

KOTA KINABALU: JCI Keningau Baru has successfully concluded its “Check Dulu” car safety campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting road safety awareness among motorists. The event was organised in collaboration with Alfred Wong Enterprise and the Keningau District Council, with the primary goal of encouraging the public to conduct thorough vehicle safety checks the Hari Raya period. Organising chairperson Adoria Tan said this was the second edition of the campaign, following a similar effort held earlier during the Chinese New Year season. She added that the organisation plans to extend the initiative throughout the year, with upcoming editions scheduled to coincide with the Kaamatan festival and Christmas.

The campaign not only provided free vehicle inspection services but also served as a platform to educate drivers on the importance of routine car maintenance. By targeting peak travel seasons throughout the year, JCI Keningau Baru aims to cultivate a lasting culture of safety and responsibility among road users in the community. JCI Keningau Baru founder Wilson Gan praised the campaign as a meaningful effort by the youth organisation to contribute to community safety. He emphasised that the partnership with the district council played a vital role in the success of the campaign and expressed optimism about future collaborations between the two parties. – BY JOSHUA CHANG

Majority of Kinta Valley pupils found having vision issues Rajan (in suit) and Nachemuthu observing a pupil undergoing eye screening during the initiative. – CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

them,“ he added. Rajan, who is also head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the hospital, highlighted the need for early screening to detect vision problems, which also includes provision of spectacles. He was speaking to reporters after attending Perkam’s latest eye screening project conducted with the cooperation of the State Education Department for pupils at SJK (C) Jelapang here. Meanwhile, Perkam secretary K. Nachemuthu revealed that the focus was on kindergarten children and Standard One pupils as part of early screening to detect vision issues. “There must also be a large-scale programme involving the relevant ministries and departments to create awareness on the importance of eye care and early screening.” “It is hoped that the elected representatives in their respective constituencies would contribute when such screening projects are held. “Optometrists have played their part by offering spectacles at discount prices of up to 50%.”

IPOH: A field study to screen the eyes of children from six primary schools in the Kinta district in 2023 revealed that between 89% and 95% of them had vision issues. The screening exercise was carried out on 667 pupils by the Persatuan Kebajikan Amal Makmur Negeri Perak (Perkam) and a private optometrist. Pupils with major refractive errors were provided with free pair of spectacles. According to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital Clinical Research Centre head Datuk Dr Philip Rajan Devesahayam, the children were found to have either short sightedness or long sightedness. “Although it is not at a serious stage, it can affect the academic performance and concentration of the pupils,” he said. “They may be seen as not being interested in their studies but actually, they are struggling. “Usage of gadgets, especially handphones, contributes to the decline of vision among

A mechanic from Alfred Wong Enterprise performs a complimentary safety inspection on a vehicle outside the Keningau District Council Hall as part of the campaign.