MELAKA: The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department is inspiring primary school pupils in the state to become budding volunteer firefighters.
The department's state director Asst Fire Commissioner Mohd Pisar Aziz said this is the first time pupils in primary schools are being introduced to the role of volunteer firefighter.
"My men will train these pupils on the basic modules of marching, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), tying and water activity safety.
"The programme also offers students the opportunity to experience, first hand, managing various situations," he said after launching the new Junior Fire and Rescue Team at SK Tun Syed Ahmad Shahabudin in Ayer Keroh here on Thursday (Oct 17).
Also present was Melaka Education Department deputy education and pupil development director Jamsari Mariman.
Mohd Pisar said the department is aiming to set up the teams in 11 primary schools this year.
He said that six primary schools — SK Bachang, SK Tanjung Minyak 2, SK Tun Razak Bukit Katil, SK Rumbia, SK Parit Melaka and SK Tun Syed Ahmad Shahabudin — have set up Junior Fire and Rescue Teams involving 308 pupils since January.
Mohd Pisar said the objective of creating the team was also meant to teach the schoolchildren to adopt a fire safety culture and create awareness and preventive measures.
Separately, he said that leave for its 508 officers and personnel to brace for the monsoon transition.
He said the move was to ensure the department is at an optimal level to face any disasters.
Mohd Pisar added that the fire department would conduct regular checks at flood-prone areas and slopes here.
