By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Dec 14: Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said he will make time to meet and discuss with newly minted Federal Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming to secure federal funding to enhance the resources of Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak.
Despite the lack of funds, Dr Sim emphasised that Bomba Sarawak has been fulfilling its responsibility including promoting community-based fire safety and prevention programmes.
“We will assist the department here in fighting for federal funding because they have so many requests for funds (to meet increasing needs of fire protection and emergency service).
“The Sarawak government will do its part, but we also need the community to pitch in because one of the biggest challenges is raising enough funds to keep everything running,” he explained.
Dr Sim highlighted this at a press conference after officiating the Bomba Sarawak’s Community Learning Centre (CLC) held at Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Station here today.
He went on to say that Bomba Sarawak requires adequate funds for the upkeep of fire stations, equipment, and assets, as well as the implementation of community programmes.
“I will therefore schedule a meeting with Nga to discuss funds that can be directed to Bomba Sarawak,” he gave assurance.
Earlier on in his speech, Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, lauded Bomba Sarawak and Farley Foundation for their initiative to educate children about fire safety and prevention.
“Children not only have fun, but they can also learn what to do in the event of a fire, for example.
“I believe it is easier to teach young children because they will return home and share with their parents on the matter,” he said.
Furthermore, he asserted that when a fire occurs, it is the responsibility of all parties involved, and as such communities must also be prepared with basic knowledge of putting out fire rather than pointing fingers or politicising the incident.
Meanwhile, the newly modified CLC, the first of such centres for Bomba in Sarawak, is specially established for community, children and students who want to learn more about fire safety and firefighting.
Each session, the centre can accommodate approximately 100 students.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Bomba director Datu Khirudin Drahman and Farley Foundation president Eijing Lau. — DayakDaily
