More fire hydrant ‘friends’ needed to tackle vandalism
KUCHING: Members of Bomba Komuniti as well as the public are called upon to join the Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba)’s ‘ Friends of Fire Hydrants ( FoFF) programme to monitor cases of vandalism on this facility.
According to Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman, the FoFF currently has only 8,767 members against a total of 34,063 fire hydrants in Sarawak – meaning less than 30 per cent of hydrants has ‘ friends’ to watch over them.
“We call upon the community, especially Bomba Komuniti members, to offer themselves as ‘ Friends of Fire Hydrants’. Those who live near fire hydrants are also encourage to register as ‘ friends’ as well,” he said during the closing of the Satok constituency’s Bomba Komuniti programme at SK Merpati Jepang here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is Satok assemblyman, officiated at the ceremony.
On Bomba Komuniti, Khirudin said 65 teams had been set up in Sarawak this year, with a membership of 564.
Members, he added, have a huge impact on fire safety in that they act as first responders by put out fires at the onset using extinguishers.
Khirudin also commented that the government’s proposal to raise critical allowances for Bomba personnel would have a positive impact.
“The proposal is very much welcome by firefighters across the country. We see it as an appreciation for all the sacrifices given by Bomba, irrespective of religion, politics, race, ideology and so on,” he said.