By V. Sivaji
The Pusat Transit Gelandangan along Jalan CY Chow here received its first automated external defibrillator (AED) unit thanks to the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia.
Present at the handing over ceremony was State Exco for Social Development, Welfare and non-Islamic Religious Affairs, Lim Siew Khim and Tzu Chi Northern Region Commissioner Dato Khoo Boo Leong.
Lim thanked Tzu Chi for their generous contribution to the home to assist the needy.
“Tzu Chi is known for their charitable deeds around the world. The centre here not only offers shelter and food for the homeless but also does job matching for those unemployed”, said Lim adding that to date 84 people have found jobs.
She also added that they want the homeless to return to society and thanked members of the public and NGOs for their donations in kind and cash to the centre.
Meanwhile, Khoo added that they recognise how critical it is for first responders to provide CPR and first aid during a medical emergency.
“At Pusat Transit Gelandangan in Penang, Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society is sponsoring automated external defibrillators (AED) and first aid kits to the community here.
“AED units can make a difference between life and death in emergency situations,” said Khoo in his address.
Tzu Chi also presented two first aid kits to the centre.
The AED unit will not only serve for emergencies at the centre but also for the surrounding area.
According to the manager of the centre Nazatulwanis Mohd Khorish they welcome public donations for the shelter and thanked those who have been helping them continuously.
Puan Wanis, the manager of the centre