Community empowerment volunteer programme helps country contain COVID-19

KUALA LUMPUR: The Community Empowerment Volunteer Programme, which will provide an understanding on COVID-19 to the public, is seen as the best platform to curb the spread of the pandemic in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said the programme would also raise public awareness in protecting themselves, their families and community from the virus.

“Through the programme, we will mobilise more volunteers from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to assist the government to advise and explain about the virus to the public.

“These volunteers will also educate, provide awareness and information to the public on their responsibility to comply with all the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOP),” he told reporters after inspecting SOP compliance of business premises at the Pavilion shopping centre here today.

Currently, Mohd Redzuan said the existing volunteers such as the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and the Civil Defence Force (APM) are being deployed under the programme.

“We want more participation from retired policemen and registered NGOs. Our target is not only at public places but also village areas,” he added.

-- BERNAMA