OUR HISTORY
1938
The first Ambulance Cadet Division was formed in Penang in 1938.
1941
St. John Ambulance Brigade (SJAB) members were automatically drafted into the Medical Auxiliary Services. SJAB was the only voluntary organization in Malaya rendering medical services in all first aid posts during the 2nd World War.
SJA Volunteers practice with ambulance
1946
From 1946-1954, Dr. Yeoh Chon Hooi was the District Superintendent, with Mr. S.S. Adams as the District Officer.
1947
The headquarters was shifted to Chung Hwa Confucian School in Maxwell Road.
1950
Before 1950, SJAB members wore jungle green uniforms donated by the British Army. White uniforms were adopted, which later became the authorized uniform.
1953
2 Corps were formed with 8 Ambulance Divisions and 2 Nursing Divisions.
1954
Mr. A. Raja Gopal, Chairman of SJAB Penang, managed to get permission from the Georgetown City Council to use a room at the old Maternity Hospital in Macalister Road as our headquarters. From 1954-1957, Mr. S.S. Adams was the Area Commissioner. The 1st Officers’ Training Course and 1st N.C.O. Training Course was held at Shamrock, Tanjung Bungah.
The headquarters at Macalister Road
1955
We were using the whole ground floor of old Maternity Hospital as our headquarters until 1978.
1957
One Ambulance Cadet team and one Nursing Cadet team represented Penang in the First Federal First Aid Competition. Mr. Chuah Thean Choon took over the position as Area Commissioner when Mr. S.S. Adams retired.
1960
Penang representatives were selected to represent Malaya against Singapore in the 1st National First Aid Competition.
1963
Ambulance Divisions were formed in Province Wellesley, Permatang Pauh, Simpang Ampat and Butterworth.
Members visiting air force base
1964
Penang represented Malaysia against Singapore for the International First Aid Competition and won the gold trophy presented by Dato Lee Kong Chian.
1968
27th Feb., Penang State Government gave a piece of land approx. 20,000 sq. feet in Lot 95, T.S. Daerah Timur Laut, for putting up the headquarters.
1971
Nursing team represented Malaysia winning the Puan Sri Saadiah Sardon Gold Cup.
1973
1st Aug., SJAM State Council was formed. Mr. Hooi Seng Tuck was appointed as the first State Commander and Chairman.
1975
2 national events were held in Penang: The Federal Officers Training Course and 6th National Cadet Camp. Mr. R.A. Bottles was posted back to Penang, Malaysia.
1976
Foundation stone for the new headquarters was laid by Dr. Lim Chong Eu, Chief Minister of Penang.
1982
We organised the Australian Ballroom Extravaganza Fund-Raising project.
1983
Penang team emerged overall champions in all 4 sections at the 25th National First Aid and Home Nursing Competitions
1985
The second phase of headquarters was completed.
1994
29th April, the Haemodialysis Center was officially opened by the Governor of Penang.
1996
The idea of ISO9002 was mooted by the State Commander, Mr. Lim Thoon Deong.
1999
The Trainers Committee took over the ISO9002 project and launched it on 18th April, at Paradise Tanjong Bungah Hotel.
2000
6th June, SJAM Penang passed the audit and was recommended for ISO9002:1994 by RWTUV. 14th July, ISO9002 certificate was presented to the Chief Minister of Penang cum State President, SJAM Penang.
2001
We have upgraded our ISO from ISO 9002 to ISO 9001:2000
2002
Ambulance Attachment Unit (AAU) was started on 11th May 2002.
2003
Works on the Headquarters Building Extension has been started on August 2003.
Fund Raising projects includes Charity food & fun fair, International Food Carnival were organized to raise Building Extension fund.
ISO 9001:2000 was expanded to include the scope for “Non-emergency Ambulance Service”
2004
Charity Raffle Draw was organized to raise building fund.
Officers and members responded to Tsunami Disaster and on duty at various relief centre.
2005
Four storey Headquarters extension building was completed and official opened by Governor of Penang on 3rd July.
2006
Dato’ Dr. Yee Thiam Sun took over the leadership as the Fourth State Commander / Chairman of SJAM Penang.
Penang team emerged as the Overall Champion of National First Aid & Home Nursing Competition.
Full Launch of Emergency Medical Assistance Service (EMAS) Penang by YB Dato’ Wong Kam Hoong on July.
Officers and members attended the funeral of Late Mr. RS Gurcharan Singh, SJAM Chief of Staff (Operation)
E-Library launched under smart partnership with Penang Library Foundation.
2007
National CPR workshop for Healthcare Provider was organized.
MCAD’s bicycle squad was launched with 8 bicycles donated by Mr. Khoo Hun Poh on June 21st.
SJAM National Conference was hosted by SJAM Penang on 24-26th August.
2 Medic Bike donated by Modenas and Passion Trading
2008
SJAM celebrating 100 years anniversary throughout the country with series of activities.
4 EMAS Medics were sent for overseas ambulance attachment with South Australia Ambulance Service (SAAS) for during of one month. on April and May.
Launching of EMAS first new emergency ambulance by TYT Penang’s Governor during Annual State Inspection. Ambulance was donated by TheStar Publication.
Mass CPR in conjunction with SJAM 100 anniversary was organized at Queensbay Mall on 30th of November with 555 public been trained in CPR.