Crucial for firefighters to be innovative, says Dr Sim
SIBU: Members of the Fire and Rescue Department are advised to be innovative in executing their duties, in view of the state’s challenging geography.
In making this call, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said he has always argued – both in Dewan Negara and the State Legislative Assembly – that when it comes to Sarawak, the provision of fire and rescue services cannot be based solely on the population.
“We must take into consideration the geographical challenges.
“Despite the geographical challenges, I think we are quite comprehensive.
“It is not ideal yet, but we are much better than before,” he told reporters during a working visit to Sungai Merah fire station here yesterday.
He said while the services in Sarawak are much better now, where the department has a number of helicopters, it would be better to have a fire station for each community.
“Despite ( generally Sarawak) having low fire risk, the ( Fire and Rescue) services must be available to all.”
Dr Sim also pointed out that it was his duty to be concerned about and looking into the problems related to fire stations.
Having said this, he commended the department for running many community services, especially getting students to be involved in fire prevention programmes.
Later, the minister announced a RM10,000 allocation for Zone 4 Fire and Rescue Department – Sports and Welfare Club.
“I’ll fight for the critical allowance that your department has been requesting on behalf of your firefighters,” he assured the Zone 4 team.
Meanwhile, state Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohammad said currently, Zone 4 has nine fire stations – the latest one being the facility in Tanjong Manis.
He also said by end of 2019, Zone 4 should have three more new stations — one each in Daro, Sibu Jaya and Selangau.
“The Bintangor station will be rebuilt,” he disclosed, adding that the manpower in Kapit and Song stations would be rearranged.
“After studying these two stations and the low fire risk (in Kapit and Song), we have decided to reduce the number of firefighters there.
“Some of the full- time firefighters will be transferred to other stations,” he said.
Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 chief Misran Bisara accompanied Nor Hisham.