Sabah Scouts' Rescue Team : A General Introduction

What is actually the Sabah Scouts' Rescue Team?

Established in May 1998, the original team members consists of selected scouts from different fields of expertise ranging from management to outdoor recreation as well as water-based activities, not to mention radio communication, healthcare, environmental conservation and first aid responder.

Currently, Datuk Awang Zaini Haji Suntim (State Scout Chief Commissioner) is the Commander in charge of this team.

Throughout the 10 years span of its establishment, Sabah Scouts' Rescue Team has been actively involved in natural disaster relief efforts all over the state. The First Aid Responder and CPR courses conducted by this team is also recognized by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and has been attended by members of the general public and employees from various listed companies as a pre-requisite for their job specifications and various tests, namely from PETRONAS, Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. and many more.

Other involvement includes :

1) Relief for La Nina victims. (Operation Centre, Rescue and food distribution)

2) Relief for Greg Incident victims. (Food and facilities distribution)

3) Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon (Radio Communication)

4) Clinics and courses related to Kayaking

5) Pilgrimage Aid Team

(A collaboration with Lembaga Tabung Haji - Logistical and general Services)

6) Relief for flood victims (Annual on-call duties in Beaufort District)

7) Scout JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) and JOTI (Jamboree On The Internet)

Original uniform for the team were Long sleeved Navy-Blue overalls with the offifial Rescue Team patch and expertise patches. This is accompanied with a red beret. However, due to the expanding skills and activity coverage of the team, overalls are deemed less suitable and therefore, current uniform consists of tucked in short sleeved shirt with long trousers (both Navy Blue in colour). The red beret is retained.

Apart from the common Scouting skills, general expertise and skills trained in this team includes :

1) Amateur Radio (Ham)

2) Logistics

3) Scuba Diving

4) Kayak manouvering and rescue

5) Outdoor Skills

6) First Aid Responding & CPR

However, these fields will be expanded from time to time considering the training purpose of this team which is more all-rounded in nature.

As of 2007, membership will be extended throughout Sabah in all 43 scouting districts. A committee has been set up to review and publish a complete manual / training syllabus for team members in the nearest future.

For more details and enquiries, the management of this team can be contacted through the following address :

Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia Cawangan Sabah

Rumah BP, Jalan Sembulan By-pass, Off Bulatan Sembulan

(Next to Federal Building)

88899 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Tel / Fax : 088-219559

e-mail : rayngs@yahoo.com.my