MCOT emerges overall winner of annual ERT, volunteer fire-fighters competition
MIRI: The team from Miri Crude Oil Terminal ( MCOT) outperformed other volunteer fire-fighters at the annual Zone 6 Emergency Response Team ( ERT) and Volunteer Firefighters Competition 2018, which took place at Lopeng Fire and Rescue station here recently.
The MCOT squad of Peleboris Benedict Bunsin, Ahmad Fadillah Usman, Syahmi Stan Kludek Abdullah, Ritter Layau, Mohamad Redzuan Daran, Falessca Francis, Herman Mustafa, Teresa Mary Selima and team manager Mohammad Jaffar Bujang was named the overall winner, earning them the coveted challenge trophy and RM1,000.
Moreover, the team also won the 400-foot dry-pump operation (mixed) event and placed second in the 400-feet wet-pump operation (mixed) obstacle marching challenge.
Individually, Ahmad Fadillah and Ritter came out tops in the men’s 100- feet hose laying operation and stair climb operation marching events, respectively.
In their respective individual men and women’s categories, Herman and Teresa beat other competitors in the combined ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher ( 9kg) and 100- feet hose-laying event, respectively.
“Actually, it’s our expectation to claim the challenge trophy, with our capacity in the fire and rescue services. Basically, we are trained fire-fighters from the oil and gas organisation in Miri,” said Jaffar, adding that when his lot had trained for two weeks prior to the competition.
On their objective of taking part in the event, Jaffar said they viewed the competition as a prestigous event for them – one that could help them gauge their abilities and capabilities.
“The guidance and advice from the Fire and Rescue Department helped us to improve our team. Our victory sets the benchmark for the next event, inspiring us to perform better.”
Over 80 teams comprising more than 500 stakeholders from the manufacturing-processing and services-hospitality sectors took part in the annual competition.
Meanwhile Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, who officiated at the closing ceremony, commended Miri Fire and Rescue Department for its organisation of this event, which could be considered as a training programme for in-house employees of companies serving as volunteer firefighters.
“This competition serves as an excellent platform for participants and also the ERT members to learn from one another, and also assess their readiness and competency in handling fire emergencies,” he said.
Moreover, Gerawat viewed inhouse volunteer firefighters as playing a key role not only for their companies, but also for the Fire and Rescue Department, in that they are the first responders in any incident.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini and Fire and Rescue Departmant Miri Zone 6 chief Supt Law Poh Kiong were also present at the ceremony.