GEORGE TOWN: A social media post accusing voluntary firefighters of failing to respond to emergencies and misusing public donations has sparked backlash, with Penang authorities saying the allegations have tarnished the image of volunteer fire brigades.
The post claimed volunteer firefighters arrived early at fire scenes but only directed traffic and kept people away instead of extinguishing fires.
It also alleged some brigades sought donations for equipment despite being ineffective, and accused them of being used for tax evasion and money laundering.
The statement surfaced following a fire involving three vehicles after a five-vehicle crash at the Udini underpass along Jalan Masjid Negeri on May 15.
Penang local government and town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said such allegations had tarnished the reputation of voluntary fire brigades.
"These allegations will also affect voluntary fire brigades when seeking donations from the public.
"The Penang government allocates RM10,000 annually to each active voluntary fire brigade, with 36 teams receiving the assistance this year.
“Beyond that, their operational expenses rely fully on public donations,” he said during a press conference in Komtar on Tuesday (May 19).
He said it was regrettable authorities could not control when individuals would make such statements online.
“A police report was lodged on May 18.
"I will also seek assistance from Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching on this matter,” he said.
Mt Erskine Voluntary Fire Brigade chairman Goh Chin Wah, who was present, said the allegations had affected all volunteer firefighters, not just a single brigade.
"This has tarnished the image of voluntary firefighters as a whole.
"We are also affected by allegations involving corruption, as this may impact future public donations," he said.
He said while some volunteer firefighters may have arrived early as they were nearby, they were not part of the responding units and lacked the necessary equipment to intervene immediately.
He added that all rescue and firefighting operations must follow strict standard operating procedures.
