KUCHING: The Sarawak government is urged to implement proactive measures to bolster the auxiliary firefighters (PBS) across the state.
Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said that this would reinforce the PBS’ role in supporting the Sarawak Bomba as a whole.
He shared that the Sarawak government has been requested to reassess the total number of PBS units in the state, including the two recently established ones, with the aim of reactivating them.
“Initially, Sarawak was prioritised to establish Bomba headquarters in eight locations based on current risk assessments.
“However, considering the present circumstances, reviving the existing PBS units would be more beneficial,” he said when met by reporters after attending the Kampung Bako Indah PBS engagement session recently.
When asked on the decline in PBS activity, he attributed it to waning interest and rural-to-urban migration among youth.
“PBS units are typically situated in remote areas. Therefore, a decrease in youth population contributes to the scarcity of human resources.
“Lack of facilities is also one of the contributing factors, making it challenging for allocations to be directed to inactive PBS teams,” he said.
In another development, Nor Hisham announced the provision of four new logistics machines to enhance PBS operations in Sarawak.
Earlier, acting Sarawak Bomba director Tiong Ling Hil shared that there are 58 established PBS teams in the state and only 38 are still active.
He pointed out that in Sarawak, the role of PBS in remote areas without fire stations is crucial despite some facing registration challenges.
“PBS needs to convene meeting to establish a committee to register with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia (ROS). We aim to provide RM3,000 annually in grant aid, but inactivity hinders this process,” Tiong said.
