BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & SHAIK SHAIFUL
KUCHING: A recent fire incident at Pasar Sungai Maong Lama, Mile 3 here has drawn attention to the need for a fire and rescue station within the Stampin parliamentary constituency.
Accordingly, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for Stampin, Lo Khere Chiang, said he will look into the matter if he wins the seat in the 15th General Election.
Lo pointed out that incumbent Chong Chieng Jen, who has served the constituency for three terms, failed to address the issue to the federal government.
“He has been the incumbent for Stampin for three terms and the Padungan assemblyman, yet again, he did not realise that the matter is under the purview of the federal government at all.
“Still, he is blaming me for the lack of fire hydrants when the fire broke out on Thursday, when he is the one who should address this in Parliament,” said the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman during a press conference at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang office here today (Nov 11).
Lo also expressed his disappointment when Chong blamed him and the council for not addressing the issue of the lack of fire hydrants and for not seeking help during the incident.
“Did he realise that it is the fire department’s job to stop the fire? Come on, he should know better than this,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also thanked the fire department for their swift action in controlling and extinguishing the fire, despite being slowed down due to the lack of nearby water sources.
He then urged members of the public to always check the fire hydrants within their area to prevent similar occurrences.
