KUCHING: Sarawak needs 21 more fire stations to provide maximum coverage against fire across the state, says state Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Khirudin Drahman.
"Based on our risk assessment, Sarawak should have 60 fire stations of different categories.
"At present, we have 39 stations," he told reporters at a Hari Raya fire safety campaign at the Stutong Ramadan bazaar here on Thursday (April 13).
The campaign was launched by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Khirudin said the department was being assisted by voluntary firefighters, with about 56 such teams throughout the state.
"If there is allocation, we can upgrade the voluntary firefighters to Category E fire stations which will have the basic equipment for firefighting operations," he said.
Khirudin also said the state's request for more fire stations had been brought up to the Federal Government but this was subject to the Cabinet's approval.
He said Sarawak should be given special consideration based on its size and geography.
"We can have a special category of fire stations for Sarawak, it doesn't have to follow the model used in Peninsular Malaysia.
"This has been discussed but we need the political will to get it done, so we hope all MPs from Sarawak can support what we are requesting," he added.
On the campaign, Khirudin said it aimed to instil fire safety at home during the coming celebration.
"Most of the fire cases that occur at home during festive seasons are due to negligence.
"We are there to remind people about the danger of fire and how to prevent it through basic protection measures.
"Let's make sure we celebrate Hari Raya in a safe manner."
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
