History Of ....

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History of the St John Ambulance of Malaysia

 St John Ambulance in Malaysia started in 1908. From 1908 to 1938, the movement was confined to the army and the railways.

            When the war clouds were gathering in 1938, the government decided to form the St John Ambulance Bridge in all the large states. In view of this the movement was formed in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johore, Kelantan and the Railways.

            The members were first recruited as Stretcher-Bearers. Once they were proficient, they were allowed to attend first aid lectures. As a qualified St John Ambulance member, they were supplied free-of-charge by the government one set of Khaki uniform (White belt, black peak-cap, a pair of black shoes, black water bottle and a white haversack).

            In early 1941, regular meetings and air raid practises were held. The government also allocated First Aid Posts to the Divisions to carry out their duties.

            In September 1941, the government introduced the Medical Auxiliary Service and all the St John Ambulance Bridge members were automatically drafted into this service. In addition, they were allowed to use their St John Ambulance Bridge Uniform and hold ranks. This was an encouragement to all their officers and members because of the recognition given to the movement. Furthermore, all members of the St John Ambulance Bridge were paid a war allowance that was given in 1946.

            When the Japanese declared war on 8 September 1941, the St John Ambulance Bridge members did magnificent work in all the First Aid Posts. Many members withdrew to the south together with the Army Forces when the Japanese Forces captured their towns. Many more served in the battle of Singapore and lost their lives for the Service to Mankind.St John Ambulance was the only voluntary organisation in Malaya then that rendered medical services before and during the war.The British Military Forces re-occupied Malaya in 1945 and re-organisation of all departments and institutions started. From 1959 onwards, the movement functioned in all the States in Malaya.

            In 1972, the St John Ambulance Association and St John Ambulance Bridge were amalgamated into One Corporation known as the St John Ambulance of Malaysia. This was enabled with the passing of the St John Ambulance of Malaysia (Incorporation) Act, 1972 by the Parliament.

 

The aim and purpose of the Corporation are to:

Ø    Encourage and promote all works of humanity and charity for the relief of persons in sickness, distress, suffering and danger without any distinction of face, class, colour or creed.

Ø    Render aid to the sick and wounded in war or in peace and to promote such permanent organisation in time of peace so that such aid may immediately be available in time of emergency and such aid shall include the provision of the technical reserves for the medical services of the government and armed forces of Malaysia.

Ø    Promote, encourage and co-ordinate the work of the Corporation in all aspects in Malaysia.

Ø    Promote, encourage and co-ordinate contacts between themselves and similar organisations under the name of St John in other countries.