By Nancy Nais
SELANGAU, June 10: Local communities from Selangau district can now heave a sigh of relief over their long-awaited request for a fire station.
Sitting on a 2.1-acre site along KM82 Jalan Sibu-Bintulu, the new and bright red fire station is finally complete and will begin operation on July 1.
Located about two kilometres from Selangau town, the Class D fire station worth RM3.9 million was officially handed over to Sarawak Fire and Rescue (Bomba) Department by Villa Builders Sdn Bhd this morning.
The project comprises, amongst others, a single-storey building to serve as the fire station, engine bay, gen-set room, store utility room, garbage area.
Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman said that when commissioned, the station will facilitate fire fighting and rescue operations in the district.
“The completion of the Selangau fire station is something that the local community and we in Sarawak Bomba have been looking forward to for years.
“Apart from serving the community here, it is also to support other fire stations near Sibu in the event of fire outbreaks,” Khirudin said at the handing over ceremony.
He revealed that prior to this, the nearest fire station to Selangau town was in Sibu, which is about 70km away.
“Our logistics, assets and personnel such as one fire truck, a van, one utility vehicle, firefighters comprising of 10 permanent and 18 auxiliaries (PBB) are all ready.
“This station is of great necessity as in the event of an emergency it will take about one and half hours to two hours for help from Sibu Bomba to arrive,” Khirudin disclosed.
Meanwhile, he added that the new Sibu Jaya and Bintangor fire station are expected to start operation either July or August this year.
Khirudin and Bomba Sarawak deputy director Zainal Madasin also visited Sibu Jaya and Bintangor fire station construction site.
Located within central Sarawak, Khirudin said the three new fire stations will certainly give relief and peace of mind to the locals.—DayakDaily
