Managing manpower a challenge during festive seasons, says Bomba chief
KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) continues to maintain its regular operations during the Ramadan month and the upcoming festivities, says director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.
According to him, his men would conduct their duties as usual, requiring them to be at their designated stations to monitor emergency calls and handle the relevant operations.
“Patrolling and emergency operations will be done in a continuous manner during this fasting month, as well as during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations,” he told reporters during a press conference held after the break-of-fast at Bomba Sarawak headquarters along Jalan Setia Raja here on Friday evening.
Mohammad Hamdan also acknowledged the department’s challenge in managing its human resources during festive seasons, in that its workforce consists of Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Only 20 per cent of our personnel would be allowed to take their holiday leave; the remaining 80 per cent would have to stand ready for duties at their respective stations.
“Every station will have arranged duty rosters to support the need to respond to emergencies, fires and other rescue operations.”
Mohammad Hamdan said for this year, Bomba would direct its focus on fire prevention during the festivities.
“With Hari Raya and Gawai Dayak approaching, we believe that there will be various activities being done in preparation for the celebrations.
“Therefore, we continue our fire prevention campaign slated for residential areas whether they are in the form of landed properties, high-rise buildings or longhouses.”
Adding on, the Bomba top man also highlighted the focus on water safety.
“We have found out that the number of fatalities involving activities done in water is higher than those involving fires.
“Last year alone, there were 400 drowning victims, versus 97 fatal fire victims.
“Under the department’s Water Activities Safety Council (MKAA), we would continue to provide awareness, to continue our patrols and also to warn the public regarding the dangers of certain parts of the recreational areas, areas specialised for water activities, as well as high-risk areas where people are involved in activities such as fishing,” Mohammad Hamdan said at the press conference, where Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman and its assistant director (operations) Tiong Ling Hii were also present.