Volunteer fire station in Matunggong to benefit 200 villagers
MATUNGGONG: Kota Marudu Umno chief Datuk Wetrom Mahanda believes that having fire stations for volunteer fire-fighters in every village is important as they are the first respondent in the event of a fire.
“They are not only the first to respond or arrive at the scene when a fire breaks out, but can also assist in numerous events such as road accidents and provide humanitarian services.
“One of the negative and misunderstood perceptions thrown against our firefighters is arriving at the scene too late.
“This is mostly due to the distance from the fire station to the said location.
“So I strongly believe having volunteer fire statons located in every village is important,” he said after officiating the Volunteer Fire Station at Kampung Pinawantai here recently.
Also present was State Fire and Rescue Department director Nordin Pauzi.
According to Wetrom, the nearest fire stations to Matunggong are in Kota Marudu and Kudat, which is about 40 kilometers away.
He said the new Volunteer Fire Station at Kampung Pinawantai can benefit some 200 villagers here.
Meanwhile during the event, Nordin said the State Fire and Rescue Department is in the process of examining all nomination and polling centres for the coming 14th General Election (GE14) on May 9.
He said care will be taken to ensure all premises, schools and community halls are in good condition and safe to accomodate the expected number of people.
“We want to make sure everything goes smoothly without any incident like a fire or accident ahead of the election.
“For Kudat Zone, we have carried out security checks at three schools located at Pulau Banggi that will be used for GE14,” he said.