KUCHING, June 27: Setting up Emergency Rescue Teams (ERTs) and undergoing fire-safety training at work or in the community should be everyone’s business as accidents or emergency situations can happen at any time and at anywhere.
Such initiatives have proven to be effective because those who are properly trained can use fire equipment to douse flames or help in rescue operations.
State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Nor Hisham Mohd said ERTs succeeded in putting out fires in three hotels, three factories and one warehouse last year.
“Imagine the huge impact in terms of property saved. Last year, we recorded 487 cases of fire, and 90 cases from there were successfully put out by the affected companies’ staff. In total, RM17.7 million was saved.
“This year, 34 out of 197 fires were put out, and RM10.4 million was saved,” said Nor Hisham at the closing ceremony of the annual ERT competition at its headquarters in Jalan Stutong here yesterday.
Twenty-four teams comprising 264 stakeholders from the manufacturing and services sectors participated in four categories: ‘Latihan Operasi Peralatan Kebombaan’, ‘Latihan Operasi Fireman Lift’, ‘Latihan Kawad Iron Man ERT’ and ‘Latihan Kawad Campuran Basah 300 kaki 2 Pancutan’.
Nor Hisham said the programme was meant to enhance the skills of ERT members working in high-risk premises.
“High-risk premises must have ERT in order to get their fire certificate from Bomba. It represents the main safety aspect to shorten the response time for fires,” he said.
Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, who officiated at the closing ceremony, commended Bomba for organising such an event on an annual basis.
“This sort of activity serves as an excellent platform for the participants and the ERT members to learn from one another. They play key roles in their (respective) companies as they will be the first responders during emergencies,” opined Chong. — DayakDaily
