Ministry will look into special allowance for Bomba staff – Zuraida
KUCHING: Federal Minister of Housing and Local Government Zuraida Kamaruddin said her ministry would look into the request for Special Service Scheme Allowance (Elaun Khas Skim Perkhidmatan) by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) which was approved in March this year.
She said she was informed that the critical allowance had been outstanding when she took over the ministry.
However, she said a working paper had been prepared and presented during the Cabinet meeting.
“We appreciate all the Bomba staff’s effort, sacrifices and for going the extra mile, so we will consider this allowance. However, I hope that they will be patient as we have a RM1trillion debt to clear, so we need to stabilise the country’s economy and finance first,” she said at the Bomba Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri and Ngiling Bidai Gawai event at the Bomba headquarters here yesterday.
She said that the country recognises their hard work, dedication and sacrifices as they not only have to fight fires but also help accident victims, in catching wildlife like snakes and monkeys, and many other tasks.
The RM200 allowance was approved by the previous government.
Aside from that, Zuraida hopes that Bomba will brainstorm together on how to reach the longhouses should a fire break out, and ensure the system is effective.
Present at the event were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and state Bomba director Nor Hisham Mohamad.
Speaking of her meeting with Dr Sim and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, she said it was related to Bomba’s needs in Sarawak.
“Sarawak needs the best approach to handing fires involving longhouses. This was a request presented and I urge Bomba director-general and Nor Hisham to sit down together and discuss on the matter.”
Earlier, Nor Hisham requested for the Special Service Scheme Allowance so that Bomba staff can be at the same level as other security personnel.
“We will also channel issues or problems of Bomba Sarawak to the director-general so that it can reach the higher level for consideration. This will then improve our services to the people.”