By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, May 27: Each carrying a different set of tools, the firefighters from Rapid Intervention Motorcycle (RIM) unit have been patrolling the city centre and Jalan Kuching-Serian during the current festive season.
This is part of the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak’s efforts to deal with any unforeseen tragedies during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak festival.
The daily operation which began on May 18 until June 2 is meant to provide fast and efficient rescue, fire extinguishing and medic operations.
Head of Bomba Sarawak RIM unit Muhd Mirza Dzalmira Miraj said firefighters will have faster access to scenes of mishap or fire outbreak especially when they need to beat the traffic congestion.
“This was because RIMs can move their way faster through traffic jam, especially during rush hours and there is emergency cases to attend to.
“As for the festive season, patrol team in Kuching will start at 12pm to 3pm from Padungan fire station towards the whole stretch of Jalan Kuching Serian. Similar team from Sibu Central fire station will patrol along Jalan Sibu-Sarikei,” Muhd Mirza said.
The unit used Honda ST 1,300cc, Honda VFR 850cc or Kawasaki Versys 650cc superbikes.
Speaking to DayakDaily at Mile 13 Kuching-Serian road today, a team of three RIM firefighters Taufek Sarkawi, Zulhisham Zaini and Ali Nepiah Mohd explained how each of them ride and carries a different set of tools which were kept in special compartments.
Each superbike will be equipped with either fire, rescue or medic equipments, such as hydraulic cutters, paramedic set, hose reel, foam and water fire extinguishers, and other rescue tools among others.
“These basic medic, firefighting and rescue equipment are split among three superbikes and can be reassembled at a scene. We also have portable fire extinguishers made of foam and water fitted on the superbike.
“For example, if there is an accident during our patrol, we can assist the victims first while waiting for ambulance to arrive,” Zulhisham, who rides on the medic bike said.
Taufek, who takes charge of the rescue bike said they can use the tools to extract trapped accident victims.
“If there is a vehicle fire, we have hose reel and portable extinguishers as well. Otherwise, if there is a house or building fire outbreak, we can help locate the fire hydrants first or access the situation while the fire engines make their way to the scene,” added Ali Nepiah, who rides on the fire bike.—DayakDaily
