KUCHING: Sarawak needs at least 21 more fire stations, says Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Deputy Premier explained that the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) had asked for more fire stations from the federal government.
“It’s nothing new…I myself have constantly asked for (a) fire station in Batu Kawa and was approved by the previous federal government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“But when the government changed, we had to start (all over) again. And now we are in the unity government, we want all of our state MPs to constantly fight for our facilities.
“This is the time for them to talk less and do more. The community will not just look only because they want to ensure that the fire station is built,” he said when met by the media after the Hari Raya Fire Safety Campaign at the Ramadan Bazaar, Stutong Community Market here on Thursday (April 13).
He added that the federal government now must have a plan for Sarawak that is based on its geographical location, and not, population.
“If it’s based on population, it will not be applicable to us in Sarawak as people in the rural areas have as much right as those in urban areas.
“Sarawak always wants a special category that is not applicable to Peninsular Malaysia. So, I hope all the MPs know about this and do their duties.
“We have shown our support to the federal government to form a unity government and now is the time, they are all Sarawakians (MPs in Sarawak) and that means we support them, put politics aside and think about Sarawak.”
Dr Sim added that previously, the Sarawak government received two fire engines from Guro City, Seoul, South Korea.
“We have enough manpower (firefighters), and we have fire engines, now what we need is a house. Not necessarily a new building but a house.”
Commenting on the fire stations, Sarawak Bomba director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said building fire stations in Sarawak should not follow the rule of thumb used in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The federal government should give special considerations to us based on our geography, and fire chooses no one, whether the federal government or the state government.
“Therefore, we need maximum protection and if we can’t have a big fire station, they can build the special category (Category E) fire stations for the well trained auxiliary firefighter.”
He also hoped that MPs in Sarawak move forward and support this effort to have more fire stations, which is subject to the federal Cabinet’s approval.
