Set up mini fire stations in rural areas, says MP

LIMBANG: The Fire and Rescue Services Department ( Bomba) should expedite the setting up of mini stations in rural areas in Limbang so that swift action could be provided in the event of fire outbreaks.

Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah said the mini station could complement the role of the fire station in urban areas, so as to prevent major damage in the event of fire outbreaks, especially in longhouses in rural areas.

“Application had been made to the government for the setting up of mini a Bomba station at the junction of Medamit but so far there has been no response.

“We will also request in the next budget for allocations for the setting up of more mini stations in Limbang,” he said yesterday when visiting fire victims of Rumah Panjang Aping near here.

Forty- five people were made homeless when fire destroyed eight units of the 40- door longhouse last Wednesday afternoon.

Hasbi also suggested all villages set up their own Voluntary Bomba Squad so they could help douse fires before the arrival of firemen.

The villages could use part of the fund provided by the government under minor rural project to buy fire fighting equipment.

During the visit, Hasbi handed over a personal donation of RM8,500 to the eight families including another family whose house was partly destroyed by the fire.

Others donating were nongovernmental organisations including SPDP Batu Danau and Sadia.

Among those present were SPDP Woman Exco member Lim Goon Tee, SPDP Youth Daniel Taha and Women chief of SPDP Bukit Kota, Monica Usun Tingang.