Consider geographical aspects when approving new fire stations for Sarawak
13 Apr 2023 08:43pm
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian (centre) distributing leaflets to the public after officiating the 2023 Aidilfitri Season Fire Safety Campaign at the Ramadan Bazaar, Stutong Community Market today - FILEPIC
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He said the existing assessment method based on population is not relevant to be used in Sarawak which has a large area and has a scattered population, especially in rural areas and interiors.
"For example, those in the interiors also need to get the same rights in terms of health as those who live in the city, as well as in terms of the right to get fire stations.
"On this issue, all Sarawak Members of Parliament should unanimously express the need to increase fire stations in the state to provide the best service to the people,” he said after attending a Fire Safety Campaign for the Aidilfitri season at the Ramadan Bazaar in Stutong community market, here today.
Meanwhile, Sarawak director of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Datuk Khirudin Drahman said based on a risk study, Sarawak needs a total of 60 fire stations, but so far has only 39 fire stations.
"We understand that it is based on government funding, but we appeal that the guidelines (method) to take into account that construction of stations in Sarawak should not follow the guide used in the peninsula, (but to) allow a special consideration.
"We have conveyed this matter to the federal government, maximum fire protection must be in place, if it is not possible to provide a large category station like in the city, prepare a special category,” he said.
Khirudin added that Sarawak’s JBPM was also strengthened by 56 volunteer fire brigades and if there was a special provision, category E fire stations could be built for these volunteer brigades, especially in the rural areas and interiors of the state - BERNAMA
