Inside one man's 56-year mission to help Johor's most vulnerable

Chua Liak Ching, a man who has dedicated over half a century to aiding the most vulnerable in Johor, greets visitors to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Baru branch with a warm smile. With no ceremony or pretense, he leads interviewers into his modest office, where he shares stories of his 56-year commitment to helping those in need. Chua, a businessman by profession, speaks of his experiences without fanfare, emphasizing that turning away someone in need is simply not an option.

Growing up in a family with scarce resources, Chua understands the pain of hunger and the humiliation of asking for help. One memory from his youth remains vivid: a 12-year-old boy, malnourished and nearly starving, approached him for money to buy food. Chua gave RM10, witnessing the boy's gratitude. That small act sparked Chua's lifelong commitment to helping others.

Chua joined the MRCS in 1970, driven by a desire to learn first aid and serve society. After three years, he became an instructor, eventually rising through the ranks to his current position as chairman. Despite his titles, Chua emphasizes that true service lies in willingness, not in recognition. He believes that in times of crisis, such as floods or disasters, volunteers must be ready to provide immediate assistance with food, clothing, and medicine.

Among the most challenging periods of his service was the care for Vietnamese refugees at a camp on Pulau Tengah in Mersing in 1977. Chua and his team were responsible for their daily needs. The experience taught him the importance of compassion and the fragility of human existence. Since then, Chua has extended support to various groups, including diabetics, dialysis patients, disabled individuals, single mothers, impoverished students, and struggling families.

Even a small amount, like RM5, can make a significant difference in someone's life. For Chua, helping is not about grand gestures but about recognizing and responding to human need.