KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the allocation of RM50 million for Malaysia Armed Forces (ATM), Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) and People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) for equipment and assets to combat disasters.
BOMBA Sarawak director Datuk Khirudin hoped the right proportions will be allocated to the leading agencies that are responsible for handling disasters.
He pointed out that BOMBA’s assets are quite limited thus more are needed for better rescue works.
“I hope that extra allocation will be given to Sarawak and Sabah given that both states are larger compared to the states in Peninsular Malaysia.
“With Sarawak’s population being sparsely distributed, most of the fire stations are remote to some of the local communities.
“As such, BOMBA Sarawak has to work closely with the local communities by creating champions who are knowledgeable and skilled in basic fire safety and prevention,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
At the same time, Khirudin also hoped for special funds to be allocated for efforts to build a resilient community through the spread of knowledge and exposures.
He said advocating the right approach in fire safety and prevention will significantly reduce and mitigate the impacts of any disaster.
“Sarawak and Sabah should be given priority. In Sarawak, we have many success stories and achievements when it comes to handling disasters.
“For instance, the Community Emergence Response Team (CERT) programme has been actively conducted throughout Sarawak and it is the approach of creating local champions.
“These local champions will assist in minimising and reducing the impacts of disasters if they occur,” he added.
