SIBU, Oct 24: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is beefing up its firefighting abilities with the acquisition of Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) units.
Bomba Malaysia deputy director Datuk Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin told reporters during his visit to the Sibu central fire station today that other Bomba stations throughout the country will be equipped with this firefighting facility.
His visit was aimed at ascertaining the preparedness of Bomba stations in the central region for the monsoon season which is expected to last from November to March next year.
“This facility will be used especially in rural areas and we are looking at a reasonable size type so that they could be easily moved around along difficult routes. In time of emergency, with CFRTs, firefighters will find it faster to reach the scene,” he said, though declining to reveal the total cost for the CFRT units.
Bomba Malaysia however has a budget for that.
Abdul Wahab said he expected the units would be available throughout the country early next year but subject to the approval of the tender.
“Not all 324 fire stations throughout the country will be allocated with the machine as we will only be buying 150 units. But I believe the State will be one of the recipients.
“We have not yet decide how many units Sarawak will be given but due to the geographical condition and size, the State will be given the units so that Bomba can provide better, efficient and speedier services,” he added.
In view of this, he wanted the State Bomba to identify which stations are in most need for the CFRT units.
Abdul Wahab said Sarawak is one of six states in the country with incidence of flood during the monsoon season. The other five are Sabah, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Accompanying him on his visit were State Bomba deputy director Tiong Ling Hii and head of Zone 4 Janggan Muling. — DayakDaily
