By Nancy Nais
BARAM, July 12: Villagers living along the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) have been advised not to throw fire extinguishers or use them to put out fire near the pipeline.
If there are fire sighted, SSGP head of operations Suffian Sabeli urged the people living near and along the pipeline to immediately notify Petronas or other authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
Speaking to the villagers at their joint Emergency Response Plan Program with Bomba in Long Laput, Baram, yesterday, Suffian advised the folks not to throw or use fire extinguishers (APA) to control fire along the pipeline, as it is not the correct way to solve the emergency.
The joint program aimed at strengthening the awareness and security among communities, especially residents and workers living along the gas pipeline.
“If you see any fire or if there is any accident around or on the pipeline, please do not use APA or in worse scenario, throw the APA at the fire. Quickly call us for help,” Suffian said.
The 512km natural gas pipeline is part of Petronas’ development project of Sabah-Sarawak Integrated Oil and Gas Project which started operation in early 2014, linking Kimanis in Sabah to Bintulu, Sarawak.
He also reminded villagers not to use their farming machinery near the pipeline or crossing the pipeline.
“If you need to cross over to the other side, please inform us, so we can assist and ensure that it is done in safe manner,” he said, adding that they must also realised the importance of urgent action to be taken in the event of any unwanted incident of fire and other danger.
A total of 135 villagers from Long Laput, Long Bemang, Uma Bawang and Uma Akeh attended the program, in which they were also commissioned as community firefighters (Bomba Komuniti).
There was also a symbolic handover of the Emergency Action Plan (IAP) equipment by Bomba to the respective village chiefs.
The Bomba Komuniti team were taught on longhouse management, building evacuation procedures, how to use fire extinguisher, identification of fire equipment and practical use, rescue procedures and giving basic emergency assistance to victims by the Bomba Marudi team headed by fire station chief Maureen Sim. — DayakDaily
