St John Association of Malaysia

Who we are?

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 Brigade in all the large states.

The members were first recruited as Stretcher-Bearers. Once they were proficient, they attended First-Aid lectures. In early 1941, regular meetings and air raid practices 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 Brigade members were automatically drafted into this service. In addition, they were permitted the right to use their St John Ambulance Brigade Uniform and hold ranks. This was an encouragement to all officers and members because of the recognition given to the movement. Furthermore, all members of the St John Ambulance Brigade were paid a war allowance that was given in 1946.

When the Japanese declared war on 8 December 1941, the St John Ambulance Brigade members did magnificent work in all the First Aid Posts. Many members withdrew to the South together with the Armed Forces when the Japanese Forces captured their towns. Many more served in the battle of Singapore and lost their lives for the Service to Humanity.

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 Brigade within Malaysia, were amalgamated into one Corporation known as the St John Ambulance of Malaysia. This was made possible with the passing of the St John Ambulance of Malaysia (Incorporation) Act, 1972 by the Parliament.