By Nancy Nais
MIRI, Nov 24: Julia Suip and Mohd Yahya Abdullah @ Pakeh Sam were all smiles when they received the keys to their newly repaired house from Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak today.
The 37-year-old general worker and mother of three had her dilapidated house in Kampung Batu 1, Lutong, Kuala Baram repaired by five firemen, namely Abg Muhd Fhazil Abg Abdul Manaf, Faizal Mohamad, Aloyses Ganang, Giman Ngayong and Dyloly Edward from Miri station.
On the other side, Yahya, 52, from Kampung Pengkalan Lutong had his house repaired by five firemen, namely Nasir Razali, Zulkernain Jon, Nicklus Jambal Salleh, Willy Dona and Affindi Seruji from Lopeng station.
Both of them were recipients under the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS 7) initiative for the less fortunate.
Speaking to DayakDaily, Julia said she and her family were one of the fortunate ones to have their house repaired by “skilful, helpful and ever ready” fireman.
“I am grateful to God and to Bomba for giving and helping us. We are neither able to do this on our own nor could we afford it,” she said at the handing over ceremony.
Yahya, who lives alone, is jobless. Thanking the firemen profusely, he also chipped in to help them every day with the repairs, which made it more meaningful as he was part of the team.
Repair works on both houses began on Nov 12 and were completed in 13 days. Among items repaired were flooring, roofing, kitchen, windows, bedrooms and toilets.
Miri fire chief Law Poh Kiong said the department’s NBOS for repair works cost about RM15,000 and were implemented entirely by the firefighters.
“All of them did this on a voluntary basis. Although some of them are not skilful in carpentry, these men were willing to learn from their colleagues. They spent their days concentrating on these projects so that they could complete it as soon as possible and hand over to the owners,” Law said.
He added that the NBOS programme carried out by Bomba had benefitted many unfortunate people and also gave a positive impact within the communities.
“As long as the government continues to assign projects to the department, Bomba will continue the noble work as this is one way for us to help ease the burden of those from the low-income and poor group,” Law said. — DayakDaily
